Updated: 9.45 pm

PRO-LIFE CAMPAIGNER Cora Sherlock has said she is “surprised and disappointed” at the reaction of some of her compatriots after she was today included among the BBC’s “100 Women” for 2014.

Sherlock – Deputy Chairperson of the Pro Life Campaign – is the only Irish woman on the list, which brings together “influential” women from around the world for conferences and debates in London and online.

The decision was greeted with derision and outrage in certain quarters today, in particular among some Irish women.

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This evening, Sherlock told TheJournal.ie she was “surprised and disappointed that women would say that.”

One of the most interesting things that was apparent from the BBC conference today is how very often it’s women who let down other women.

Sherlock, who is also a solicitor and blogger, said some of the responses were “very worrying.”

Just because you have a difference of opinion, that opinion shouldn’t be stifled.

The activist added that despite her concerns about something of a backlash from within Ireland, her inclusion on the “high-profile” list was a “fantastic honour.”

The BBC should be commended for bringing together 100 women with such diverse backgrounds and opinions.

A spokesperson for the BBC World Service told TheJournal.ie this evening that the 100 women included on the list “are not intended to be representative of their countries nor professions as a whole.”

All of the 100 women were chosen based on their expertise or the impact they have made in their sphere, regardless of their viewpoint.

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