KENYAN woman Salome Mbugua, who was appointed to the board of the Equality Authority by Minister for Equality Sean Power TD last week, knows first-hand how inequality and prejudice can impact on someone’s life.
Living in Ireland for over 10 years, Mbugua has suffered physical and verbal abuse on numerous occasions on account of the colour of her skin, but has challenged this behaviour through her role as national director of AkiDwA, the African Women’s Network, which aims to empower African women living in Ireland.
Speaking to Metro Eireann about her appointment to the Equality Authority’s board, she said: “I will highlight issues affecting ethnic minorities and migrant communities, and also bring in my own area, which is gender. I’ll highlight issues affecting women of all nationalities.”
With reference to African women in Ireland, Mbugua said that accessing services can be “very difficult”, with people often “suspicious” about how African women have the money to buy a particular product or service. She said she has encountered many women who “go through hell” accessing social welfare payments that they are entitled to.
Joining Mbugua on the Equality Authority’s board will be chairperson Dr Angela Kerins, (chief executive of Rehab), Nigel Brander of People with Disabilities Ireland (PWDI), Sean Fogarty (outgoing chairperson of the Munster Council GAA), Frank Goodwin (chairperson of the Carers Association), Niall McCutcheon (principal officer at the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform), Ellen Mongan (representing National Traveller Monitoring Advisory Committee), Theresa Murphy (chairperson of the National Women’s Council of Ireland), Betty O’Leary (barrister and member of the National Disability Authority) and Kieran Rose (chairperson of the Gay and Lesbian Equality Network).
Minister Power stated that he would make further appointments shortly. In particular, he will reserve seats on the board for two people – one male and one female – to be nominated by the Irish Congress of Trade Unions and two people – one male and one female – to be nominated by Ibec. The board is appointed for four years.
