Ireland has a shameful history of its treatment of women. From the Magdalene laundries, to Mother and Baby homes, to the Tuam baby scandal and black markets for adopted babies, Ireland has done its best to sweep the lingering dirt of its past under the rug. Somehow, this image does not fit with the carefully … Continue reading Through the Looking Glass of the 8th Amendment: A Historical Analysis of its Conception, Gestation and Birth
Beyond the Belfast Rape Trial Verdict: Some Recommendations for the Creation of a Consent Culture
In the aftermath of the acquittal of all four defendants in the Belfast Rape Trial, there has been an outcry that the criminal justice system as it currently stands in prosecuting sexual assault and rape cases is failing women. I couldn’t agree more. But in actual fact, it is failing all parties. Can we ever … Continue reading Beyond the Belfast Rape Trial Verdict: Some Recommendations for the Creation of a Consent Culture
What does your WhatsApp say about you?
*Update* As of 28 March 2018, all four of the co-accused have been acquitted of all charges. In an ongoing rape trial in Ireland, two Ulster rugby players, Paddy Jackson and Stuart Olding, stand accused of the rape of a woman at an after-party following a night on the town. A third, Blane McIlroy, is accused … Continue reading What does your WhatsApp say about you?
Should we have Reservations about Reservations?
An analysis of the impact of reservations for women in Panchayati Raj Institutions drawing from field observations in Uttar Pradesh It has almost been three decades since the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act 1992 was passed, which granted 33% reservation for women in Panchayati Raj institutions (PRI). The move was heralded as “a watershed in the history of … Continue reading Should we have Reservations about Reservations?
Becoming A Tattvan
From Friday 29 September to 1 October 2017, I attended my first Tattva festival. True to form, I had heard about it from a fellow YIF-er and had immediately signed up, thinking I would figure it out as I went along. On the face of it, Tattva is a three-day immersive festival of dance, meditation, … Continue reading Becoming A Tattvan
REPEAL
*This article originally appeared on the 'Why I March' section of the Abortion Rights Campaign in 2013. I am deeply indebted to Lauren Howells, for her patience in editing this piece and for taking up the Repeal mantle in England on behalf of Irish women.* *As of 25 May 2018, the Irish people voted by referendum to … Continue reading REPEAL
My Journey in Heartfulness Meditation
Daaji says that by the time we take our first meditation sitting, the foundations have already been laid to prepare you to embark upon the spiritual path. Had you told me a year ago that there would be a time in the future that I would be meditating daily, I would have laughed in your … Continue reading My Journey in Heartfulness Meditation
A Basic Guide to Field Research
Part of our Experiential Learning Module (ELM) involved us learning to conduct field research. Considering that our ELM team consists of a law, psychology and media & communications’ graduate, none of us were very well versed with the ins and outs of field research when we first began. Over the last six months, we’ve experimented, … Continue reading A Basic Guide to Field Research
When Surya Broke the Internet and Section 377
*As of 6 September 2018, the section which criminalised certain forms of sex between consenting adults has been struck down by the Indian Supreme Court. You can read the full judgment here.* 12 November 2017 marked the celebration of the 10th Delhi Queer Pride festival, where thousands took to the streets to march, dance and - protest. No matter … Continue reading When Surya Broke the Internet and Section 377
10 things I wish I knew before joining YIF..
1. INTENSITY In preparation for this blogpost, I looked up the definition of intensity, which the Oxford dictionary very ambiguously describes as “the quality of being intense”. Over the course of my interviews for the programme, I was asked time and time again how I dealt with an intense workload. Having worked for two years … Continue reading 10 things I wish I knew before joining YIF..
Kay O' Neill 