Together for Yes campaign leaders named among TIME 100 Most Influential People of 2019

Now in its 16 th year, TIME 100 is so much more than just an annual life of the world’s most influential people. It spotlights the outstanding progress made by pioneers, leaders, titans, artists and icons. It encourages cross-resolution collaboration working towards a brighter, better future.

The champions of Ireland’s very own Together for Yes campaign have appeared in the ‘ICONS’ section of the list alongside Lady Gaga, Spike Lee and former First Lady Michelle Obama. This honour is entirely deserved as these women have poured every ounce of themselves into the campaign to grant the women of Ireland bodily autonomy, making the country a more compassionate place.

An umbrella group made up of over 70 organisations, groups and communities, the Together for Yes movement inspired so many Irish citizens to go out and vote ‘YES’ in the momentous referendum on May 25, 2018. The result saw an overwhelming majority of voters supporting the change in abortion laws and history was made.

The work of Orla, Ailbhe and Grainne was given an eloquent and astute accolade penned by Oscar-nominated and Limerick-bred actor Ruth Negga. “It was breathtaking to witness the determination, intelligence and sheer hard work of its leaders”, Negga writes, “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.”

Others named throughout the list of influential people include New Zealand’s Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, whose leadership in the wake of the Christchurch terror attack inspired many and 16-year-old Greta Thunberg, whose steadfast environmental activism has instilled the gravity of climate change in many.

To be named among such eminent, significant names is an entirely merited honour.