Our Team

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Orla O'Connor
Director

Orla O Connor

Email: orlaoc[at]nwci.ie

Orla O'Connor is Director of National Women’s Council (NWC), the leading national women’s membership organisation in Ireland, with over 190-member groups. She was Co-Director of Together For Yes, the national Civil Society Campaign to remove the 8th Amendment in the referendum. For her role in Together for Yes, Orla was recognised as one of the 100 Most Influential People by TIME magazine in 2019. Orla holds an MA in European Social Policy, and after starting out in local community-based projects, has worked in senior management in non-governmental organisations for over 25 years. Orla represents NWC in a wide range of national and international fora. Orla is a feminist, and an expert in the policies needed to progress women’s equality in Ireland. She is an accomplished public speaker, with a strong analysis of public policy. Orla has led numerous high level, successful campaigns on a wide range of issues on women’s rights, including social welfare reform, pension reform and for the introduction of quality and affordable childcare. Orla is passionate about ensuring access to women’s reproductive rights; about ensuring more women are in leadership positions; about ending violence against women; and increasing women’s economic equality.

Rachel Coyle
Head of Campaigns and Mobilisation

Rachel Coyle

Email: rachelc[at]nwci.ie

As Head of Campaigns and Mobilisation, Rachel drives the strategic campaigns of NWC, working closely with NWC members, key partners, and other allies to build momentum and deliver change. Rachel is a trade unionist, a community and political activist and has over 7 years of experience in inspiring activism and campaigns. Before joining NWC, she was a political manager and organiser for Sinn Féin Ireland.