Back to: How to tackle the rise of the anti-gender movement

In May 2018, history was made in Ireland, when 66 per cent of the population voted for abortion reform in Ireland and to overturn the nation’s 8th Amendment, finally decriminalising abortion.

Back in 1983, 67 per cent of the population voted in favour of the 8th Amendment, so what event led to this incredible change in public opinion?

A key strategy of those campaigning for a ‘yes’ to repeal was to highlight the voices and stories of those who had been harmed by the law.

Various campaigns encouraged people to share their views from conversation cafes to wearing badges inviting questions about the campaign.

Amnesty International launched their own campaign ‘It’s time to talk’ offering people tips on how to share stories previously hidden by shame and taboo.

After the vote, 39% of people polled said that some form of discussion had changed their minds to Yes.

This is particularly powerful when you consider that just four months before the campaign, over half of those polled said they would be too uncomfortable to have a conversation with someone in their lives about abortion.

A woman holds a poster of Savita Halappa: © Niall Carson/PA Images/Alamy

One of the most powerful stories shared was about the death of Savita Halappanavar, who was denied abortion care while experiencing a septic miscarriage.

Her story was shared countless times, and 8 per cent of those polled said that hearing Savita’s story changed their minds.

Discussion

Which gender justice principles are present in this case study?

Consider the power of uplifting the voices of those impacted by the issue. Why is this such a successful tactic?

Further learning

Read How powerful conversations won abortion rights in Ireland