Mary Robinson
President, Realising Rights
Honorary President, Oxfam International
Chancellor, University of Dublin

As President of Ireland, United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, a professor of law and an activist in many concerned organizations and in legislative bodies, Mary Robinson has campaigned on behalf of the poor and vulnerable in developing countries. A committed humanitarian, she championed women’s rights and leadership, more humane migration policies, more equitable trade, and broader human rights.

Mary Therese Winifred Bourke was born in a family that migrated from Normandy to County Mayo, Ireland, in the 13th century. Of the Bourkes it was said, “they ended up more Irish than the Irish.” Both her parents are medical doctors, and the family counts Protestants and Catholics, which might be described as a historical mix of rebels against and servants of the crown. (P.Ress)