Who is Dearbhail McNulty, the woman behind this collection for The Feminist Shop?

Hi, I’m Dearbhail, a local artist based in Belfast! I recently graduated with a degree in Fine Art from Ulster University. I live with my soon-to-be husband and am a proud cat mum to Simba and Merlot.

What does this illustration mean to you? What are you saying with it?

I’ve always found the word illustration a bit intimidating, like it implies you need a fancy job or years of experience. But to me, illustrating is simply about expressing emotion and passion through shapes and colour. It’s how I communicate what I care about, and how I process the world around me.

What has been your biggest learning since starting as an illustrator/artist?

To take risks and stop worrying about what other people think. The most growth happens when you step out of your comfort zone.

What is your goal? What’s the big vision you'd love to achieve?

My dream is to run my own design company full-time, doing what I love every day and building something meaningful from it.

Now our feminist questionnaire..

What is feminism to you?

Feminism means recognising and addressing generations of systemic inequality, and working together to build a fairer, more equal future for everyone.

Which everyday sexism really bothers you?

When people make jokes about women being “on their period” and acting like it makes us weak. I’d love to see a man bleed for five days and still get on with his day like it’s nothing.

Do you remember when you first identified as a feminist and why?

Yes, around the age of 19, when I got involved in the pro-choice movement in Northern Ireland. That was a real turning point in how I saw myself and my role in pushing for change.

Who is your biggest feminist role model?

Gloria Steinem. Her voice and activism have paved the way for so many of us.

What’s your favourite feminist quote?

“If men could get pregnant, abortion would be a sacrament.”

What’s your proudest feminist victory?

Being the Belfast representative for the Ulster University Pro-Choice Society.

What’s your feminist recommendation?

• Book: On Abortion: And the Repercussions of Lack of Access
  
• TV Show: Three Families
  
• Film: Let Us Be Seen

What’s your feminist call to action to whoever is reading this?

Just because we have rights doesn’t mean they’re guaranteed. Abortion access is not a finished fight — it’s a fragile victory.

We cannot afford to be complacent. Across the world, hard-won freedoms are being taken away. We must stay loud, stay organised, and stay ready.

Protect the right to choose. Defend it every day. Keep the conversation alive — our freedom depends on it.