THE varied experiences and achievements of Traveller women will be discussed as part of a panel taking place to celebrate International Women’s Day on March 8 in Mna Ag Gaire Women’s Shed in Ennis between 10.30am and 2pm.
Women’s Collective Ireland – Clare, the Clare Traveller Community Development Project and Clare Local Development Company are hosting the celebration of this important date for women across the globe. There will be music with Mary Keenan and Yvonne Ketwa, refreshments and food with people invited to bring something to share.
Guest panellists include Bridget Mongans; Primary Health Care Project Clare; Mary Connors from New Ross, recipient of a lifetime achievement award from the Irish Traveller Movement for her outstanding contribution and dedication to highlighting and achieving human rights of the Traveller Community; Nancy Power coordinator of the National Traveller Money and Budgeting Service which works to reduce poverty, discrimination and financial exclusion from what is considered mainstream and accessible for many in society. Completing the panel will be Helena Power from Kilkenny Traveller Community Movement.
At this critical time of recession and the enormous cost of living rises and many other issues facing women in Ireland, the lives and experiences of Traveller Women needs to be highlighted and put at the top of the agenda said Brigid Casey, the Project Coordinator of the new Clare Traveller Community Development Project based in Ennis.
Carine Mambou from Cameroon will speak about embracing equity – the 2023 theme and the need for women to work together to achieve collectively, while Tatiana Gnatiuk will talk about her experience of arriving in Ireland from Ukraine.
“We are always very excited about hearing the lived experiences of women living in our communities, this is a great opportunity to listen and understand we all experience the world and life in Ireland differently,” said Elaine D’Alton Project Coordinator with the Women’s Collective.
“We are delighted to be joined by Kasia Kowalska an integrative life coach and yoga instructor who assists communities to find a deeper meaning through compassionate work through movement meditation and dance. Please join us for this celebration of the lives of women and all we have achieved individually and collectively.”
This is a free event. For further information contact Elaine at coordinator.clare@womenscollective.ie or Bridgie at bcasey@cldc.ie