Orla O’Connor to step down from her role as Director of the National Women’s Council

Published: Tuesday, July 01, 2025

After 23 years working in the National Women’s Council (NWC), the Director, Orla O’Connor, will step down from her role in the coming months to take up a new position as Executive Director of 
 St Stephen’s Green Trust. 

During her time in NWC, Orla O’Connor held different positions, including 13 years as the Director. 

Orla O’Connor said

“It has been the greatest honour of my career to lead this extraordinary organisation of almost 200 member groups from across the island and work alongside such strong and passionate feminists. Together, we have built a powerful organisation – a place that drives real change, holds true to feminist values and makes a lasting difference to women’s lives and Irish society. I am excited for my new journey ahead as I step into my new role as Executive Director of St Stephens Green Trust and I will bring with me everything the National Women’s Council has taught me about courage, solidarity and the power of collective action.”

 Paying tribute to the significant contribution Orla O’Connor has made to the National Women’s Council and to women and girls in Ireland, Chairperson of NWC, Jennifer Okeke said, 

“Orla is a true feminist leader who has dedicated her life to the achievement of equality and social justice. During her time in the National Women’s Council she has made an incredible contribution to the organisation and to the advancement of women’s rights and equality in Ireland. Ireland is a better place for women and girls thanks to the work of NWC under her leadership. 

On behalf of the Board and NWC members, I would like to sincerely thank her for her dedication, leadership, hard work and resilience over so many years. We wish her all the best in her new role as Executive Director of St Stephen’s Green Trust.“

The National Women’s Council will begin the search for a new Director in the coming weeks. The recruitment will be led by NWC’s Board.