Ailbhe Smyth was the founding head of Women's Studies at UCD (University College Dublin) where she lectured for many years. A long-time feminist, LGBTIQ+ and socialist activist, she played a leading role in the Marriage Equality campaign in 2015. She co-founded and chaired the Coalition to Repeal the Eighth Amendment and was co-director of Together for Yes, the national campaign for the legislation of abortion in 2018. Her role in that campaign, along with co-Directors Orla O'Connor and Grainne Griffin, was recognised by their inclusion on the Time Magazine list of the world's 100 most influential people in 2019. Currently, she is Chair of Women's Aid and also of Ballyfermot STAR Addiction services. She is a board member of Age Action and of Women's Global Health Ireland.

Speaker at The Road to Reproductive Freedom: Lessons from Ireland for the World, Wednesday, October 19