On Saturday, Mulhuddart Community Centre was host to an event by i-Smile to mark UN International Day for the Eradication of Poverty. Joan attended and spoke at the event. i-Smile is a non-profit that works to increase inclusion and participation of migrant women in mainstream society.

Joan opened the proceedings with a talk on the importance of education especially for woman in order to empower them and give them opportunities in their lives.

A drama was showcased which documented the experiences of asylum seekers in Ireland, and the project received €3,000 in funding from the Department of Social Protection. Each year the Department funds a range of small public awareness initiatives to promote awareness of the Day.