Here’s what to do now the Irish Referendum has been won

In the aftermath of the victory of the Irish pro-choice movement, women across the globe are celebrating. However, our work is far from done. Anyone can take these small steps to make a difference...

Source: @Oddzer

On the 25th May 2018, 66.4% of the people of Ireland participated in a landslide vote against what was one of the most restrictive abortion laws in Ireland. However, this was so much more than a decision on whether women should have an abortion or not. This was a step in the direction towards enabling women to make decisions about their reproductive choices in circumstances free of trauma, degradation, and stigmatization. In some cases, it saves women from risking severe damage to their mental and physical health…

Source: @oliviao_neill

Not only did the decision to Repeal the 8th have dramatic implications for the future of women in Ireland, but it shed a light on the prevalence of women who are denied basic Human Rights across the globe. Here are some things you can do to help your sisters who are suffering and to battle against female oppression worldwide:

Sign petitions

Demand change for Northern Ireland at Amnesty International UK

Although this is a time for celebration for pro-choice campaigners throughout Ireland, the situation in Northern Ireland tells a different story. Here, abortion still remains illegal, meaning that women are forced to travel to the UK or further to access reproductive healthcare, even when the pregnancy has severe health complications or is a result of rape. Amnesty International is raising awareness of the Government’s failure to act on this breach of human rights for the women of Northern Ireland by providing a petition, demanding change. To sign the petition, click here, and if you sign, don’t forget to share on Facebook!

Source: InYourArea

Donate or Fundraise 

Brunch your heart out for period poverty

For many women and girls across the UK, getting a period is a lot more distressing than having to deal with mood swings and cramps. A survey recently revealed that 1 in 10 school girls cannot afford sanitary products, and 12% have to resort to using socks or newspapers. Living without access to sanitary products can be a humiliating and distressing experience for many, so it is important to act to improve the quality of life of the women affected. If you enjoy a boozy brunch, the agency WIRE is working with cafes across the UK to host the ‘Bloody Big Brunch’, an event where Bloody Marys are provided in exchange for a box of tampons or pads, which are then donated to The Trussell Trust. To find out if one is happening near you, simply follow @BloodyBigBrunch on Twitter.

Another great way to help fight period poverty is by simply donating some pads or tampons to your local food bank. To find your nearest food bank, click here.

Source: @BloodyBigBrunch

Get Informed 

Understand the Transgender Community with Human Rights Campaign

HRC is an organisation which is fighting for Trans Visibility and raising awareness on some of the daily challenges members of the transgender community face, and details that ‘72% of the victims of LGBTQ or HIV-motivated hate violence homicides in 2013 were transgender women, and 67% were transgender women of colour'. Trans women face innumerable challenges and adversities and are subject to social stigmatisation and discrimination in communities worldwide. Alongside giving the opportunity to donate to the campaign, the HRC FAQ section helps you to get informed and understand the social needs of transgender people.