The Women’s Irish Network is delighted to present this year’s special event, organized and hosted by our dear friend and supporter, Baroness May Blood. This year we will have the privilege of hearing from four members of the House of Lords – all of whom are champions of issues and policies that figure importantly to us.

Baroness Berridge of the Vale of Catmose: Currently the youngest female member of the House of Lords, Elizabeth is a working peer – an informal title that means her main role is her work in Parliament. In addition to her focus on matters of religious freedom, the Middle East and asylum issues, Elizabeth has a passion for involving young people in civic life. She encourages her constituents to keep in touch with her and also to follow the blog that she updates regularly with the interesting stories of the day.

Baroness Gould of Potternewton: Joyce Gould started her career as a pharmacist; with that early influence reflected in her continuing advocacy both for women’s health and HIV initiatives. Joyce’s commitment to matters of social justice and equality has been steady throughout her career and she has held positions on anti-racism and discrimination committees, as well as organisations devoted to civil liberties and women’s rights. Joyce has twice been made an Honorary Fellow, in recognition of her contributions in matters of sexual and reproductive health.

Baroness Lister of Burtersett: Margot Lister joined the House of Lords in 2011, after retiring from a distinguished career that began with the Child Poverty Action Group, time as a professor at Bradford University, and an appointment as the first Donald Dewar Visiting Professor of Social Justice at the University of Glasgow. Margot continues to serve the Child Poverty Action Group, this time as its honourable president. She also sits on the Joint Committee of Human Rights and is vice chair of the Fair Pay Network.

Baroness Morgan of Drefelin: Delyth Morgan began her career by serving the voluntary sector to tremendous effect; serving at the helm of Breakthrough Breast Cancer for a decade. She not only played a leading role in raising the profile of breast cancer, but succeeded in fundraising enough to open the first dedicated breast cancer research facility in the UK, in 1999. Delyth was created a life peer in 2004 and in 2008, she was appointed to a Cabinet position as Minister of the Department for Children, Schools and families. Appointed as Chief Executive of Breast Cancer Campaign in 2011, she continues to further the cause of breast cancer research and advocacy.

Venue details and itinerary of the evening:

Cholmondeley Room & Terrace, House of Lords, London SW1A. 0PW

6.30pm ~ Arrival reception

6.50pm ~ Speeches

8.00pm ~ Drinks and canapes

8.30pm ~ Event ends

Prompt arrival is advised as you will be required to go through security.

We look forward to seeing all of you there.