St Brigid’s Day in Seoul: Screening of ‘The 8th’
First St.Brigid's Day event in Seoul
The Embassy of Ireland in Seoul hosted a film screening of ‘The 8th - How We Repealed History’ on the occasion of St. Brigid's Day on January 31, 2024.
Guests included members of the diplomatic community, international bodies, civil society, academia and members of the Korean and Irish community. The film screening was followed by an informal reception to celebrate the achievements of women.
Ambassador Michelle Winthrop opened the evening by explaining what a momentous event the 8th Referendum was for Irish women, and shared some personal reflections of the day of the vote and the aftermath.
Following this, a short video message from Ailbhe Smyth, the leader of the ‘Together for Yes’ campaign, was played. In her message, Ailbhe noted the challenges facing women’s rights in Korea, and that she hoped feminists would take inspiration from the journey of Irish women, as told by the film.
Many of the Korean guests remarked that the positive story of Ireland’s grassroots movement has inspired them in ongoing advocacy for women’s rights.
The powerful film highlighted emotive and important the referendum was for Ireland, and the importance of continuing to press for women’s empowerment and rights globally.