Aoife

Why Do Far-Right Protesters Think They Are Protecting Women? Thanks for reading The Feminist Lens!

I feel something has been missing in the analysis of the rise of far-right, anti-immigrant sentiment.

I wrote about this on my new Substack. When the far right says they are protecting women, they aren't simply lying; they actually believe they are. This is dangerous.

shorturl.at/TrKIS

That most train services on the Portadown line don't go to Newry, the next station, the last station on the line in the north, infuriates me!

Translink has extra train services for Belfast Vital, that's great! But from the website, it looks like they don't go to Newry?

FÉILE 25: Creating a new Ireland and the Protestant perspective IF challenging stereotypes and giving rise to fresh opinions are key components of Féile debates then we got off to a positive start on Thursday.

I had a great time chairing a panel yesterday at Feile an Phobail, for Ireland's Future. Great discussion on decolonial approaches to a New Ireland. Balancing accommodation and social justice, and thinking about what role a new Ireland might play in the international community.

They starved us once, like they starve you now. Our children died as yours do. They shipped our food out in boats; they keep yours out in trucks.

It is a shame on humanity that another nation suffers the pain, devastation and horror of Ocras.

Saoirse don Phalaistín, Gaza go brách. 🇵🇸🇮🇪

"The result is that women are choosing not to run, stepping back from public roles or enduring ongoing psychological harm." Aoife Clements, @itseeefa.bsky.social, Founder of
@5050ni.bsky.social, is this week's guest writer for Pivotal Platform. www.pivotalpolicy.org/our-work/piv...

Really enjoyed taking part in this round table at #BISA2025!

This week we think of the women who play important yet often overlooked roles in the ongoing decolonisation of the 17 Non-Self Governing Territories recognised by the UN.

Women's voices must be included in order to dismantle all systems of colonial domination - including the patriarchy!

UK must impose sanctions on Israel to meet legal obligations, say more than 800 lawyers Exclusive: Letter to PM signed by retired supreme court justices among others says lack of action will imperil international legal system

Our Solicitor, Úna Boyd has joined hundreds of legal professionals across the UK and Ireland in signing open letters calling for urgent government action in response to the situation in Gaza.

Read more 👇
theguardian.com/world/2025/m...

irishtimes.com/politics/202...

A group of people attend a presentation in a grand hall with ornate ceilings, stained glass windows, and historic paintings. Display screens and banners feature logos from women's organizations including WRDA, NIRWN, and WSN.

Had a lovely morning yesterday at the Launch of Women's Spaces 'Pillars for Peace' toolkit.

An amazing tool to facilitate, encourage and increase women's role in peacebuilding in NI.

You can access a fantastic resource here: www.pillarsforpeace.org/toolkit

During my week in NYC, The Irish Arts centre in Manhattan was kind enough to host me and my peers at the opening night of "The United States v Ulysses", which was really amazing!

And we were lucky enough to attend @theirelandfunds.bsky.social's annual NYC Gala.

I had a fantastic week in NYC presenting my policy paper on online violence against women at the NCAFP Emerging Leaders Conference.

My paper focuses on online violence against women in politics and how this is a major barrier to women taking the step into politics.

Also, saying that Irish people in NI aren't truly Irish is a perfect example of how toxic ethnonationalism is.

The definition of 'Irishness' keeps getting narrower:
It starts with immigrants.

It ends with LGBT+ people, disabled people, and anyone deemed 'other.'

Because of this, we welcome our brothers and sisters who come here to make Ireland their home, learn and share our culture and contribute to our economy and society.

Those actual patriots understood that ethno nationalism is a colonial tool, used to create division among the oppressed. The Irish are a people who know how it feels to have your culture ripped from you, have your land seized and be told you are not quite human.

To add to the irony, some of these protestors are calling themselves 'patriots'. If any of them attempted to read the Irish Proclamation, they would find a document reflecting staunch civic nationalism.

Utterly disappointing & deeply ironic to see Irish people protesting immigration.

The Irish experienced centuries of ethnocide, oppression and devastation; our diaspora reaches every corner of the globe because while we were terrorised, persecuted & starved, we were able to immigrate

Happy Easter! 🌼

As we commemorate & remember those who fought for Irish freedom, let’s remember that Ireland’s freedom is only 1 among many struggles for freedom

Today let us not forget our brothers & sisters in Palestine, the women of Afghanistan and all other oppressed and colonised peoples 🇦🇫🇵🇸🇮🇪

Person standing in front of a large “Campus Map” sign at the University of Liverpool, wearing a dark jumper, checked skirt, and conference lanyard. The setting is outdoors on a sunny day, with campus buildings and trees in the background.

View of the red-brick Victoria Building at the University of Liverpool, featuring ornate architectural details and a prominent clock tower with the Latin inscription “CIVIS PISCISBURGI.” The sky is overcast, highlighting the building’s gothic design.

I had a brilliant time this week at @slsauk.bsky.social (My first academic conference as a presenter!) at @liverpooluni.bsky.social ✈️

I presented a paper on feminist legal theory & connected with amazing scholars working on gender, sexuality & law ⚖️

Feeling inspired and ready to get back to work!📚

The biggest irony of gender *critical* "feminists" is none of them has ever had a critical thought in their life if they think Sex = Gender.

I'm so disgusted at the Supreme Court ruling. Sending solidarity to all our trans sisters today.

I'm so tired of regressive, conservative 'activists' who pretend to be feminists, throwing one of the most vulnerable groups of women under the bus.

Women in Politics in Northern Ireland - Doing Feminist Legal Work The representation of women in political life is both a measure and a driver of equality in society. In Northern Ireland, the number of women in elected roles

I wrote an overview of where we are in terms of women in politics for The Morrigan, part of the brilliant Doing Feminist Legal Work project. Looking at quotas, tools for getting more women into seats, and the remaining barriers women in political life still face.

dflw.ie/women-in-pol...

There is no sensible reason to oppose Irish language signs at the new Grand Central Station. I suspect, as usual, a loud minority of unionist politicians and 'activists' are out of sync with the majority of unionists, who know this is not a zero-sum game.

Meanwhile, women in leadership are linked to:

✔️ Healthier populations
✔️ Better education outcomes
✔️ Stronger social services
✔️ More resilient democracies

With the rise of the far right, we need more women in politics urgently. Women leaders are often more risk-averse, collaborative, and focused on well-being.

Across the world, far-right regimes attack education, healthcare, disability rights, and evidence itself...

Women now make up 40% of MLAs in Stormont, a big step forward, but we’re not at 50% yet.

We need tools like:
Legislative quotas
All-women shortlists
Gender-aware co-option in NI

we must address barriers: no mat leave, poor childcare support, long, unpredictable hours etc..

A panel event on women in politics hosted by SDLP Women and QUB SDLP. Four women sit at the front of a classroom-style lecture room, speaking to an audience of students. Behind them is a screen displaying panelist names and a banner with the SDLP Women logo. The audience is diverse, engaged, and seated facing the speakers. SDLP branding is visible on banners to the left and right.

Four women panelists pose together smiling in front of an SDLP Youth banner. They are standing arm-in-arm and appear relaxed and friendly. The setting is indoors, with a fire exit sign above a wooden door in the background. Their attire is casual-professional, and the image captures a warm moment after the panel discussion.

Thank you to @sdlp.bsky.social , Harriet Brown & @sdlpwomen.bsky.social for inviting me to speak on a fantastic panel on women in politics in NI.

It was a pleasure to share ideas and experiences with @clairehanna.bsky.social, Doire Finn, and Catherine McDaid.

A group of 13 people stands smiling on a staircase inside a bright building with stained glass windows and wooden paneling. They are posing for a group photo, likely after a workshop or event. The setting has a warm, classic feel with natural light, tall plants, and vintage details. The group appears diverse in gender and age, dressed in smart-casual attire, and they look happy and engaged.

This was a beneficial and engaging workshop on political lobbying and campaigning by the wonderful Gráinne Walsh from Stratagem.

Looking forward to presenting my policy paper on online violence against women in politics in New York at the end of the month!

The rhetoric around welfare & use of the term ‘handouts’ is so disappointing

Cutting welfare to raise gov’t funds is lazy, predictable & shameful

An astounding lack of creativity, leadership or integrity is on display from Labour.

This is *not* what the UK was asking for when they elected you!

Wonderful to be invited to attend a fantastic discussion today at The Department of Foreign Affairs on women’s political leadership in Northern Ireland. The panel was amazing and represented women who have been involved in politics since the GFA and women who are more recently elected.

It was also great to hear the minister @nealerichmond.bsky.social acknowledge that many of our diaspora community are victims of institutional abuse. We cannot forget this dark part of Ireland’s past or those who live with the trauma of it everyday.