Show Notes

**Smashing the Glass Ceiling, the Right to Work, and a new Name for the Children’s Hospital** This week on Sparking Change we’re talking about some of the true-blue rebels in Irish history – Dr Kathleen Lynn, and Hannah Sheehy-Skeffington – and the women commemorating them today. We also have a panel discussion whether the new right to work scheme for those in Direct Provision goes far enough. In her editorial this week, Dil discusses Female Genital Mutilation, the beliefs behind it, and why there’s no way to have a balanced discussion about it. **Dr Micheline Sheehy Skeffington (4:42)** We are joined by Dr Micheline Sheehy-Skeffington for a lesson in history and feminism. The granddaughter of one of Ireland’s foremost suffragettes, Hannah Sheehy-Skeffington, Micheline joins us to discuss smashing windows, (and glass ceilings) and marking the centenary of the women’s right to vote. **Caroline Reid and Ellie Kisyombe - The Right to Work (36:43)** Caroline Reid from the Irish Refugee Council, and Ellie Kisyombe from Our Table join us this week to discuss the new right to work scheme for those in Direct Provision, and why the extensive restrictions in place make it a bittersweet victory. Ellie takes us through how she stays positive in Direct Provision, and the power of food in connecting people. **Deirdre Mullen and Emily Duffy: Name the National Children’s Hospital after Dr. Kathleen Lynn (1:07:40)** Deirdre Mullen has started an online uplift petition to name the National Children’s Hospital after Dr. Kathleen Lynn. Dr. Lynn was the founder of an all-female run hospital for the impoverished mothers and children in Dublin in 1919 and was the chief medical officer of the Irish Citizen Army. So why do more people not know about her?