National Women’s Council of Ireland (NWCI) Director, Orla O’Connor, has announced her resignation from the organisation.
Ms O’Connor, who has worked for the NWCI for the last 23 years, will take up a new position as Executive Director of St Stephen’s Green Trust. She had been a director of the organisation for the past 13 years.
Ms O’Connor was a leading figure in the “Yes” campaign in the failed Family and Care referendums which were held in March 2024. Prior to that, she was also a leading member (Co-Director) of Together for Yes which campaigned for the legalisation of abortion.
The National Women’s Council of Ireland is one of the most heavily State-subsidised groups in Ireland, with a previous analysis of their funding over the past number of years showing that the group received nearly 97% of its income from the Government.
In a statement released by the NWCI on Tuesday, Ms O’Connor said that the role had taught her about “courage, solidarity and the power of collective action.”
“It has been the greatest honour of my career to lead this extraordinary organisation of almost 200 member groups from across the island and work alongside such strong and passionate feminists,” Ms O’Connor said.
“Together, we have built a powerful organisation – a place that drives real change, holds true to feminist values and makes a lasting difference to women’s lives and Irish society. I am excited for my new journey ahead as I step into my new role as Executive Director of St Stephens Green Trust and I will bring with me everything the National Women’s Council has taught me about courage, solidarity and the power of collective action.”
Chairperson of the NWCI Jennifer Okeke said that Ms O’Connor had made a “significant contribution” to the NWC, saying: “Orla is a true feminist leader who has dedicated her life to the achievement of equality and social justice. During her time in the National Women’s Council she has made an incredible contribution to the organisation and to the advancement of women’s rights and equality in Ireland. Ireland is a better place for women and girls thanks to the work of NWC under her leadership.
“On behalf of the Board and NWC members, I would like to sincerely thank her for her dedication, leadership, hard work and resilience over so many years. We wish her all the best in her new role as Executive Director of St Stephen’s Green Trust.“
The National Women’s Council have said that they will begin the search for a new Director in the coming weeks, with the recruitment to be led by NWC’s Board.