We Repealed: Together For Yes activists named in Time 100 list

Apr 17, 2019

Former co-directors of the Together for Yes campaign have been featured on Time magazine’s list of most influential people.

Grainne Griffin, Ailbhe Smyth and Orla O’ Connor are said to be thrilled to feature in the TIME 100 list.

They stand alongside Jacinda Ardern, Brie Larson, Taylor Swift and Greta Thunberg.

Honoured and thrilled for all who fought so hard for #Repealedthe8th and so proud of the people of Ireland. Tremendous boost for global #ProChoice movement. TFY co- directors among ⁦@TIMEMagazine_⁩ 100 most influential https://t.co/8tGIs41pNf

— RepealEight (@repealeight) April 17, 2019

The women were recognised for their efforts in leading the Together For Yes campaign during the abortion referendum in Ireland in 2018.

Ruth Negga penned a touching note for Time magazine about the impact the campaign has had on the country.

She wrote: “In May 2018, Irish society voted to lift the near-total ban on abortion that had been in place for 35 years. Society gave its overwhelming blessing to the fundamental rights of women and girls to bodily autonomy, after generations of secondary status, largely dictated by the power and oppression of the Catholic Church.”

The actress praised the activists: “Together for Yes, the campaign to repeal the eighth amendment to the Irish constitution, put the Mná na hÉireann (women of Ireland) front, centre and in control of their own bodies and rights like never before.

#time100 @ailbhes @OrlaNWCI & Grainne Griffin #Together4Yes co-directors discussing how #repealedthe8th is a beacon of light to the rest of the world where women's rights are under threat pic.twitter.com/wtpqsyqjpF

— Amy Walsh (@amymarylucy) April 17, 2019

“It was breathtaking to witness the determination, intelligence and sheer hard work of its leaders Grainne Griffin, Ailbhe Smyth and Orla O’Connor, who mobilized people of all different backgrounds in the lead-up to the vote. They put the experiences of women and the needs of their country first.

“Their incredible tenacity and integrity and courageousness will be an inspiration for generations to come,” she added.