Frances Fitzgerald is a globally recognised leader and advocate for equality from Ireland. With over 20 years of parliamentary experience, she has held some of the country’s highest offices, including Tánaiste (Deputy Prime Minister), Minister for Business, Enterprise & Innovation, Minister for Justice & Equality, and Ireland’s first-ever Minister for Children & Youth Affairs.

From 2019 to 2024, Frances served as a Member of the European Parliament, where she was an influential voice on the Economic and Monetary Affairs Committee, the Women’s Rights and Gender Equality Committee, and the Development Committee. As MEP for Dublin, she co-led the groundbreaking EU Directive on Violence Against Women. Her leadership in this space led to her appointment to the G7’s Gender Equality Advisory Committee.

In March 2021, Frances was elected Vice Chair of the EPP Group, and in July 2019, she became the EPP Coordinator of the FEMM Committee. In 2024, she further extended her advocacy work by becoming the first-ever ambassador for Ruhama, an international organisation that supports women affected by prostitution and sex trafficking.