NIHRC launch new podcast with guest Simone Magill to celebrate International Women’s Day

To celebrate International Women's Day (8 March) the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission will launch the first episode of its latest podcast series ‘Rights at the Finish Line’ with special guest, Northern Ireland and Aston Villa professional footballer, Simone Magill.

During the interview, Simone discusses her journey to professional football, from developing her passion for football as a child to how she became the first female Northern Irish footballer to sign a full-time professional contract. Simone also talks about the barriers to women and girls participating in football, and the discrimination and inequalities in professional sports and media coverage towards women.

Alyson Kilpatrick, Chief Commissioner of the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission, said:

“We’re delighted to have Simone Magill join us on the podcast and to launch it on International Women’s Day. The determination, hard-work, and resilience that Simone has demonstrated in achieving her dreams is hugely inspirational to other women and girls in achieving their own potential. Sport can be a great way to empower women and girls whilst championing human rights, and on International Women’s Day we call for equality and the realisation of rights for all in sport.”

Simone Magill, Aston Villa and Northern Ireland International, said:

“It was great to share my story to highlight how far we’ve come in terms of the participation, equality, and inclusion of women and girls in the footballing world. The podcast was also an opportunity to shine a light on the many issues and barriers we still need to address.

As we celebrate International Women’s Day, I hope the message is clear that you can follow your passions, achieve your goals, stand up for what you believe in and fight the inequalities that still exist today.”

To listen to the podcast search ‘Rights at the Finish Line’ on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or Google Podcast, or click here.

ENDS

Notes

About the podcast

This is the first episode of the third season of the 'Rights at the Finish Line' podcast. The Rights at the Finish Line podcast aims to shine a spotlight on the people and sports promoting human rights for all.

This first episode features NIHRC staff Michael Boyd, Project Manager, and Jason McKeown, Senior Engagement and Communications Officer, interview Simone Magill. This episode was produced by Jason McKeown.

About Simone Magill

Simone plays for Aston Villa following a move from Everton who she joined aged 18. She also represents the Northern Ireland football team and has over 75 caps to date, which includes setting a world record for the fastest ever goal at international women’s level at 11 seconds (against Georgia).