It is not too strong to say that Mary Robinson’s life and achievements have been truly exceptional. From her early days as a pioneering barrister, to the Presidency of Ireland, the role of UN Commissioner for Human Rights, and her current role as Chair of the Elders, she has wholeheartedly given her energy to fighting injustice in all its forms, and pursuing peace and equality. In the face of often fierce opposition, she pushed through barriers and upended certainties, always speaking out for those whose voices were not being heard. Here, Professor Siobhan Mullally explores the life and times of a remarkable Mayo woman.

What are the chances that the paths of two student activists from Ethiopia would cross thousands of kilometres from home? Serendipity has been at work here in the University to bring together two law students, Bethlehem Solomon and Kidist Abebe, both natives of Ethiopia. Now they have joined forces in pursuit of justice and a more equitable world. Their experiences have convinced them of the need for collaboration to achieve these aims and led to them combining their expertise to build on what each has already achieved.      

Alumni of the Irish Centre for Human Rights  at the University of Galway Prisca Lawrence Chipao is co-founder of Empower, Malawi, an initiative that aims  to empower Malawian women starting out in business. As in many patriarchal societies, Women in Malawi face many barriers.  Chipao tells the story of Melifa Kulemera, who survived an abusive marriage to become financially independent with the help of Empower. The story illustrates the transformative power of targeted support initiatives and is also a fantastic example of how University of Galway is contributing concrete positive effects for individuals in distressed circumstances far across the planet.