Orla Walsh

Orla Walsh is a Pop Artist and proud Mum to three girls. She is inspired by family life and the nostalgia of everyday items. Her first set of Ketchup bottles were bought by the Heinz HQ in Pittsburg. Her other images capture the emotional history of irish products. Her depictions of the iconic Irish brands such as Tayto, Guinness and Jacobs pull at our heartstrings and have gained her an international following.

Because I am a Girl I ask…my daughters take care of each other

Because I am a Girl I believe…in love and marriage

Because I am a Girl I hope…for a long happy life with my husband and three girls

Because I am a Girl I wonder…if the scales in my bathroom are broken

Because I am a Girl I dream…very weird dreams, last night Terry Wogan was driving a Winnebago and my parents were travelling with him and they had parked outside my house!

Because I am a Girl I remember…my first trip to town with my Mother to buy an outfit for Christmas

Because I am a Girl I like…drawing for hours on end, time disappears and I am so content

Because I am a Girl I dislike…women who don’t vote

Because I am a Girl I feel…emotional around new born babies and cry when a bride walks up the aisle even if I don’t know them well

Because I am a Girl I celebrate…my birthday every year for a week.

- Orla Walsh 

Sharon Tinkler

Sharon Tinkler is the founder of the Stepping Out Dance company which provide dance and dance exercise classes in up to 100 venues around Ireland.  Having been made redundant by Aer Lingus and being a seperated mother of a young son, Sharon started Stepping Out initially as a way she could spend time with her son during the day but still earn a much needed income by teaching at night. 

The first Stepping Out office was the spare bedroom of her Clondalkin home. As it grew she moved to a shed in her back garden before in 2007 moving to a state of the art premises in Park West with full studio facilities for the training and retraining of her team of Stepping Out teachers.

A former Irish Salsa Dance champion, Sharon choreographed the ‘Salsa Slims’ course which since 2003 has helped over 70,000 Irish woman to enjoy fitness through dance in a fun way. She went on to choreograph El Segundo,  El Dorado and La Fiesta, all follow on courses. She collaborated with the BBC’s ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ winner Karen Hardy to devise Stepping Out’s ‘Come Dancing’ course.  Sharon and Stepping Out have developed their own teacher training course which all Stepping out teachers regardless of previous experience must pass through ensuring consistancy of quality which defines Stepping Out classes. 

Sharon sponsors Eliasu, a 10 year old boy from Ghana, with Plan Ireland.

Because I am a Girl I ask…Never ever judge a book by it’s cover.  Get to know the person in rags and the person in riches. Never look up to or down at anyone. Especially down!! 

Because I am a Girl I believe…everyone has something special about them and we should never miss an opportunity to point it out to others. 

Because I am a Girl I hope…that my teenage son and I will have a great relationship when he grows up and he finally stops thinking I am slightly embarrassing. 

Because I am a Girl I wonder…did I always have my priorities right in the earlier days?? 

Because I am a Girl I dream…and then try to make it come true……….it doesn’t always happen but we gotta dream! 

Because I am a Girl I remember…how lucky I was growing up to have such an amazing childhood.  I did not realise it at the time as I took it for granted, dinner on the table every day I got home, big log fire and a lot of happy memories!   

Because I am a Girl I like…babies, puppies, perfume and my jeans 

Because I am a Girl I dislike…how I feel guilty about things that I probably should not feel guilty about and need constant reassurance about this. 

Because I am a Girl I feel…men should stop trying to fix everything and just listen sometimes….we don’t need an answer!!

Because I am a Girl I celebrate…the fact that I have a lot of people around me that I can rely on and that as we get older we realise how important family and friends are! And our girlie nights out!

- Sharon Tinkler

Megan & Mr Tibbs

Megan comes from Rathfarnham in Dublin and attends Loreto High School Beaufort, Rathfarnham.

Megan is currently in Transition year and spent a week of work experience with Plan Ireland late last year as she has always had a keen interest in the issues of the third world and doesn’t agree with injustice and inequality.

Megan is a complete animal lover and spends all of her time competing with her horse Mr Tibbs. She also enjoys running, swimming and a nice big cup of tea!

Because I am a Girl I ask…why is it that girls are cruelly discriminated against and continually treated second to boys just because of something as simple as their gender? 

Because I am a Girl I believe…that in some way, no matter how small, everyone should do something to help improve the lives of those less fortunate. 

Because I am a Girl I hope…that with the help of wonderful organisations like Plan, the lives of girls everywhere can be changed for the better and that soon they can have access to all that they deserve. 

Because I am a Girl I wonder…why every girl doesn’t get to experience the wonderful opportunities I have and will experience in life?

Because I am a Girl I dream…that soon all people regardless of gender, race, class and appearance are treated as equals and that they have absolutely no impact on the type of person people perceive us to be. 

Because I am a Girl I remember…that even the small things make a difference to someone.   

Because I am a Girl I like…to hear that the difficult circumstances are improving for people. 

Because I am a Girl I dislike…when people say “there is nothing we can do…” there is always something that can be done. Things can change for the better for everyone everywhere if we put our minds to it.                       

Because I am a Girl I feel…grateful for all the excellent opportunities and experiences I have encountered and hope one day every girl has the access to all the great things the world has to offer.         

Because I am a Girl I…know how lucky I am!

- Megan Davenport

Emer O'Sullivan, Irish Girl Guides Chief Commissioner

Since 1974 Emer has been involved with the Irish Girl Guides (IGG). She started out at the age of 10 in her local Guide Unit in Ballina. Since the age of 17 she has volunteered as a Leader with the local Guide Unit.

Since 1999 Emer has been playing a part on IGG’s National Executive Committee, firstly as North West Regional Commissioner, then as Assistant Chief Commissioner and since 2007 Emer stepped forward and was elected as IGG’s Chief Commissioner.   

Because I am a Girl I ask…that all girls are treated equally and with respect.

Because I am a Girl I believe…in girl power and that, by working together we can change our world.

Because I am a Girl I hope…that through education and awareness a difference can be made.

Because I am a Girl I wonder…what life will be like in 100 years time.

Because I am a Girl I dream…I dare & I do.

Because I am a Girl I remember…with deepest gratitude the work and effort the inspirational women who have gone before have made to this world.

Because I am a Girl I like…camping, the outdoors and adventurous activities.

Because I am a Girl I dislike…unfairness.

Because I am a Girl I feel…I can do anything.

Because I am a Girl I celebrate…100 years of the Irish Girl Guides empowering girls and young women in Ireland, 100 years of changing lives.  

- Emer O’Sullivan

In October 2011, Olivia spent a week in Haiti just outside the capital Port au Prince, and saw firsthand the devastation that exists there two years on. The earthquake left thousands of children homeless and Olivia spent a day in a orphanage with these children, a day which left a lasting impression on her.

Originally from Kildare, Olivia now lives in Dublin. When not volunteering for Plan Ireland or the ISPCC, she enjoys socialising with friends, horse riding and boxing.

Because I am a girl I ask…that all girls be granted freedom of speech which in turn will go hand in hand with playing a key role in decision making.

Because I am a girl I believe…that every girl has the right to feel safe and secure in their own environment. The earthquake in Haiti has exacerbated the vulnerabilities of an already extremely vulnerable group.

Because I am a girl I hope…that one day all women around the world can enjoy the same freedom that women in Ireland enjoy.

Because I am girl I wonder…what it would be like for the women in Haiti if they were were treated the same as their male counterparts. Discrimination has been and still is a widespread and tolerated phenomenon in Haitian society.

Because I am a girl I dream…that one day women will be appreciated for their minds rather then used for their bodies.

Because I am a girl I remember…been patronised by my three brothers!

Because I am a girl I like…that women all over the world are part of a universal sisterhood no matter who they are or where they’re from. As a girl with five sisters I feel privileged to be part of this sisterhood.

Because I am a girl I dislike…that women feel they must succumb to social pressures such as having to look or act a certain way.

Because I am a girl I feel…confident that girls are powerful enough to rule the world!

Because I am a girl I celebrate…that the importance of girl’s rights is becoming more of a recognised issue.

- Olivia Demspey

Aoife Barry

Aoife Barry is a print and broadcast freelance journalist who writes for TheJournal.ie, The Irish Independent, the Irish Times (The Ticket), State.ie, the Kildare Nationalist and others. She contributes reviews and features to RTE Radio 1’s arts show Arena and presents and produces the music show Sweet Oblivion for the digital station RTE 2XM.

In her spare time she DJs, collects records, goes to gigs and tweets at http://twitter.com/sweetoblivion26, as well as occasionally blogging at www.aoifebarry.com. From Cork, she has lived in Dublin for the past three years. 

Because I am a Girl I ask…what can I do in my own way to support, help and encourage other women – whether it’s in my work, by featuring their music, or in my personal life by making sure I’m there for friends and family. 

Because I am a Girl I believe…that every little thing does make a difference; that small efforts matter and that no matter how little power you think you have, you have more than you realise. I believe that if we all harness that power big things can happen from seemingly small actions. I believe the pen is mightier than the sword. 

Because I am a Girl I hope…that one day women worldwide won’t have to struggle for equality; and that those who feel equal appreciate the hard work it took from other women to get them to that place. I hope that soon there won’t be a need for ‘women who rock’ magazine issues or for female musicians to fit into a stereotype.

Because I am a Girl I wonder…sometimes why it’s so hard for some to understand that inequality does exist; and why people are criticised for flagging inequality or sexism. It’s not ‘just’ an ad, or ‘just’ a music video… every example of blatant sexism is something that needs to be discussed – how else can we bring about change?

Because I am a Girl I dream…of an equal future for all, one where difference is celebrated and where you are not judged on your gender, race, sexuality or anything else that would once have labeled you as an ‘other’.

Because I am a Girl I remember…the work that other women undertook to bring me the privileges I have today. From Pankhurst to Robinson, from my mother to her mother, all of these women made me who I am and I am thankful for that. 

Because I am a Girl I like…that being a girl means different things to different people, and that we all have different experiences and beliefs, needs and wants. I like that I have two sisters and we are each very unique in how we feel about ‘being a girl’ – and every one of our experiences is as valid as the other. Also, I like being a feminist.

Because I am a Girl I dislike…that confidence doesn’t always come easy to me and other girls – and that it’s easier to feel that you’re terrible at something than that you’re good. I dislike how ingrained into our culture it is to judge women on their looks, how much pressure we put ourselves under to fit in or to live up to an unattainable standard. I dislike looking at ‘best of’ albums/singles/etc lists and seeing a handful – or no – women on them, just as I dislike that women are often absent from musical histories. I dislike that people don’t always look for the women that were making music in decades past, and don’t question why they are hard to find. 

Because I am a Girl I feel…inspired by trailblazers like Kathleen Hanna; empowered by the support of my female peers in the media; saddened when I see feminism looked down upon; but overall, hopeful that every little action to bring about equality (be it for women, people of different races or ethnic groups, members of the LGBT community etc) is making a difference. 

Because I am a Girl I…know that I must never lose sight of what women in other parts of the world are experiencing. It’s important that we don’t think of the ‘first’ world as the only world that matters – that we listen to the voices of those in other continents and countries and realise that there are so many other issues out there affecting women. 

-  Aoife Barry

Brenda Thoms

Brenda Thoms is Marketing Manager for NIVEA in Ireland since 2001. She began working with Plan Ireland in 2011 and hopes to collaborate on further projects in 2012. Previously, she ran her own communications company followed by a Marketing role in Pepsico Ireland. She studied modern languages in Trinity College and also completed a Business Diploma. She is married and the proud mother to two boys.

She describes herself as “busy” trying to balance family life and career but she wouldn’t change it for anything. She lives in Dublin and comes from a large family of boys and girls. Her passions are travel, music, politics and running!

Because I am a Girl I ask…that I shouldn’t have to shout louder to be heard.

Because I am a Girl I believe…in that special female magic.

Because I am a Girl I hope…to pass on my  female wisdom and warmth and break down the barriers.

Because I am a Girl I wonder…why equality is still so far away.

Because I am a Girl I dream…of choices, freedom, respect and love.

Because I am a Girl I remember…the joy of growing up amongst two sisters and a great mother.

Because I am a Girl I like…to see people achieving their full potential and deserving the rewards of hard work.

Because I am a Girl I dislike…those who judge and know so little.

Because I am a Girl I feel…empowered, special and unique.

Because I am a Girl I…still like boys, we are fantastically different.

- Brenda Thoms

Annabella Forbes

Annabella Forbes is the Chief Chick of Bed&Fed, a company she started 2 years ago when she was just 24. Annabella is an actress (shorts and features) and short-film maker (music and corporate videos as well as comedy sketches). She also does various creative and freelance work for other companies. Annabella plays a lot of music and hopes to do more of that soon! Originally from Scotland, she originally came over to Dublin for a 3 month job placement with a theatre company and then stayed because she loved it so much!

Annabella thinks Plan Ireland is a great charity and the Because I am a Girl campaign is an inspired idea which will hopefully see wheels in motion for big changes.

Because I am a Girl I ask…you to go easy on me – I can’t carry heavy things or reach high shelves.

Because I am a Girl I believe…that the world can be made a better place if we look out for each other and care about our fellow human beings, animals and environment.

Because I am a Girl I hope…that all other girls in the world receive a good education, something that, no matter what, can never be taken away from them.

Because I am a Girl I wonder…if I would be doing what I am doing now, and aspiring to do what I want to do in the future, without the inspiration of other amazing women for which I am so grateful.

Because I am a Girl I dream…that all girls now and in the future will enjoy a happy and peaceful world without warfare, famine or human-trafficking. 

Because I am a Girl I remember…my brother making me play with Action Man figures because he refused to play any of my games!

Because I am a Girl I like…giggling, which is an under-rated and under-recognised female sport.

Because I am a Girl I dislike…that female characters in film, theatre and television are too often just older women or young beauties and nothing in between.

Because I am a Girl I feel…lucky to be living in 21st century Western Society, but equally I feel that being that lucky we all have a responsibility and duty to those who are not as fortunate: the inconsistent nature of women’s rights and opportunities throughout the world is something we have keep at the forefront of people’s minds – and it needs to be acted upon now. 

Because I am a Girl I…can multitask! 

- Annabella Forbes

Philippa & Olive

Philippa works for Cultivate,  a ‘not for profit’ cooperative based in the heart of Dublin.

Established in 2000, Cultivate’s mission is to promote sustainable living, community resilience and environmental causes through education, events and by bringing people together.

Originally from Bristol England, Philippa has made Ireland her home for the last 6 years, and plans to move to the Eco Village in Cloughjordan, Tipperary in the coming year. 

Philippa is pictured here with her daughter Olive.

Because I am a Girl I ask…that girls everywhere get the same opportunities as boys.

Because I am a Girl I believe…in love.

Because I am a Girl I hope…and dream and hope and dream and hope.

Because I am a Girl I wonder…at the lives of other women.

Because I am a Girl I dream…and hope and dream and hope and dream…

Because I am a Girl I remember…to honour and respect the feminine energy in this world.

Because I am a Girl I like…community, and know that it takes a community to raise a child.

Because I am a Girl I dislike…the alienation of women that comes with lack of community.

Because I am a Girl I feel…connected to women everywhere.

Because I am a Girl I…think of women everywhere, and want to support them as much as possible from my position of privilege and strength in this world.

- Philippa Robinson

Anne Marie Boyhan

Anne Marie Boyhan is founder of fashion and lifestyle blog, WhatSheWears.ie, fashion editor of MSN Ireland and in March 2011 won the industry award for Best Blogger at The Most Influential in Irish Fashion Awards.

Since 2009 she has focused on fashion and is a regular contributor to East Coast FM and Independent.ie and divides her time between style writing with her consulting job in online communications and social media.  Prior to WhatSheWears.ie, Anne Marie worked for two of Ireland’s largest websites, Daft.ie and Ireland.com.

Anne Marie speaks five languages, has a huge love for Spain where she lived for 5 years and for rugby which she supports every weekend. A Westmeath native turned city dweller; Anne Marie now lives in Dublin and is married to a New Zealander.

Because I am a Girl I ask…that I’m treated the same and not discriminated against because of my gender.

Because I am a Girl I believe…that life is a journey, not a destination.

Because I am a Girl I hope…for good health and a life of laughter for those closest to me.

Because I am a Girl I wonder…how my mother does it all; raise and educate nine children, coped when her husband, mother and brother all died within a year of each other and took early retirement from her job to run a farm.

Because I am a Girl I dream…of a walk in wardrobe like Carrie had on Sex and the City and that women should not have to conform to stereotypical roles in life.

Because I am a Girl I remember…the warm fuzzy feeling of falling in love and the moments I share with that person every day.

Because I am a Girl I like…dressing up, partying, shopping and spending time with my friends and family.

Because I am a Girl I dislike…how women still earn less than men in the workplace, how bitchy girls can be, Irish begrudgery and how good spatial awareness when driving is sometimes beyond me.

Because I am a Girl I feel…grateful for the kind of education and upbringing I’ve received and the ability to pass on my knowledge and skills to others through my work and family life.

Because I am a Girl I…am inspired by all the fighting females you’ve featured here and that we’ve somehow helped raise awareness in our own communities for gender discrimination in the developing world through the  Because I am a Girl campaign.

- Anne Marie Boyhan