Journalist, playwright, author and feminist Mary Kenny has had her invitation to speak at a conference organised by the University of Limerick revoked.

Kenny, who was a founding member of the Irish Women’s Liberation Movement, was due to deliver a presentation as keynote speaker on the evolution of feminism titled ‘The Media and Feminism over six decades to coincide with International Women’s Day’.

The International Women’s Day Conference 2023 is hosted by the University itself, rather than any student body. Marketing materials urge readers to “imagine a gender equal world. A world free of bias, stereotypes, and discrimination. A world that’s diverse, equitable, and inclusive. A world where difference is valued and celebrated”, and then adds: “Together we can forge women’s equality. Collectively we can all #EmbraceEquity”.

Her invitation was rescinded by the University following complaints about her stance on gender ideology, a stance common to many other feminists who reject the idea that biological sex and gender are unrelated.

University administrators were put under pressure by militants and caved into demands that she be disinvited from the March 8 event.

Commenting on the decision, Kenny said that the organising committee at the university was “put under enormous pressure” to cancel her and that it was “a pity not to have open discourse” but that the “objectors seem highly sensitive to that suggestion”.