Aside from being an activist, which had led to her receiving the Right Livelihood Award in 2005, Irene is also a mother to three children, Camverra Jose Maliamauv, Tania Jo and Katrina Jorene, and several foster children.
Licha ya kuwa mwanaharakati, jambo ambalo limempatia tuzo ya Right Livelihood mwaka 2005, Irene pia ni mama wa watoto watatu, Camverra Jose Maliamauv, Tania Jo na Katrina Jorene, mlezi wa watoto wengine kadhaa.