'Banlaoch' Sabina Higgins has launched celebrations to mark 50 years since the National Women’s Council (NWC) foundation in 1973, kickstarting a year-long calendar of events which recognise women’s achievements.

In a video message marking the anniversary, Sabina Higgins, who was named as a National Women’s Council’s Banlaoch (heroine or champion) for the year, said the organisation has played a “crucial role in bringing women’s voices together to demand equality and deliver change” and that “it has also helped shape Ireland and make it a better country”.

“This Nollaig na mBan we are delighted to have Mrs Sabina Higgins, a strong champion for women’s rights over the years, launch the celebration of our 50th anniversary," Director of the National Women's Council, Orla O’Connor, said.

"As women, we’ve achieved so much together since 1973. We lifted the marriage bar, campaigned for and achieved access to contraception and abortion in Ireland, as well as decriminalisation of homosexuality and equal marriage. We’ve outlawed marital rape and coercive control, and at NWC we continue to demand an end to sexual and gender-based violence. When women come together for change, we are unstoppable.”

In the video message, Sabina Higgins references major feminist wins of the past, including the contraception train and the removal of the marriage bar, but she also looks to the future. She acknowledged the ambition and challenge ahead for NWC in the organisation’s next chapter, which will be intersectional and international.

“Intersectional, in addressing the layered inequalities faced by women – Traveller women, migrant women, LGBTQ+ women, women with a disability, or from other minorities," Sabina Higgins stated. "International, by acting in solidarity and collaboration with women across the world who are fighting for their rights and for a more equal, peaceful, and sustainable future”.

Sabina has been a constant promoter of the United Nations 17 Sustainable Development Goals. The activist also spoke about the “long-standing feminist vision of a society and economy that better recognises, values, and supports care” before congratulating the almost 200-strong membership of NWC.

The National Women's Council currently have over 190 member groups and a large and growing community of individual supporters. The ambition of the organisation is an Ireland where every woman enjoys true equality and no woman is left behind.

Find out more on nwci.ie .