5th Annual Trinity Herstory Salon / 25.03.21

You can listen back to this event through DU History’s podcast here.

DU History and DUGES are proud to present the fifth annual Trinity Herstory!

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Join us for for the 5th annual Trinity College Dublin Herstory Salon at 6pm on 25 March 2021 on Facebook Live: https://fb.me/e/1Bxs6AxJn.

Organised by DU Gender Equality Trinity and DU History, the speakers this year include Melanie Lynch, Founder of Herstory, Professor Lindsey Earner-Byrne, Professor of Irish Gender History in UCC, comedian Blaíthín de Burca, and Dr Nata Duvvury, Director for the Center for Global Women's Studies at the National University of Ireland, Galway. The speakers are invited to share stories of pioneering women, commemorating the important roles many have served throughout history.

This special event will be completely open to the public, we look forward to seeing you there!

2021 Herstory Light Show / 31.01.21 - 01.02.21

Brigid illuminating Kildare Cathedral in 2020

Brigid illuminating Kildare Cathedral in 2020

HERSTORY SPARKS BRIGID’S HEALING LIGHT

Mná na hÉireann reclaim our sovereignty, sexuality and spirituality in the 2021 Herstory Light Show.

To celebrate Brigid’s Day the Herstory Light Show by Dodeca illuminated iconic landmarks across Ireland on Sunday 31st January and Monday 1st February in honour of the Mother & Baby Homes victims; Corona heroines and heroes, Black Lives Matter, Women who have Arrived, and Brigids of the World. The first of February marks the beginning of Spring and the Celtic festival of Imbolc, once honoured as the feast of the goddess.

Galway City Museum, St. Brigid’s Cathedral, Kildare; Sean Ross Abbey, Roscrea; Athlone Castle and Belvedere House in Westmeath and Birr Castle in Offaly illuminated to lift Ireland’s spirits and celebrate the return of the light. Click here to view the press release.

MAKING BRIGID’S DAY A NATIONAL HOLIDAY

Herstory is calling on the Irish public and our diaspora to sign the petition to make Brigid’s Day a national holiday and celebrate Ireland’s triple goddess and matron Saint Brigid equally to our world-renowned patron Saint Patrick. 

SPARKING BRIGID’S HEALING LIGHT

From the shadows into the light, iconic landmarks will illuminate in honour of the mothers and children who suffered in the Mother & Baby Homes; featuring portraits of the survivors by Karen Morgan, powerful haiku poems by Laura Murphy, and thought-provoking art from the Stay with Me Show curated by activist Rachael Keogh and journalist Alison O’ Reilly. Filmmaker Peter Martin captures this pilgrimage of light in Solas, a hauntingly beautiful film.


A specially commissioned photographic series entitled Sovereignty was created by photographer Myriam Riand and conceptual artist Áine O’ Brien, reclaiming and reimagining the mother archetype that has been historically dictated and defined by Church and State.

Now Mná na hÉireann are reclaiming our sovereignty, sexuality and spirituality.

The 2021 Herstory Light Show features four more timely themes, with a special tribute to the heroines and heroes of the pandemic: women and men who have battled the virus and the everyday heroes who have played a role in these challenging times including domestic violence services, teachers, farmers, shopkeepers, cleaners, bus-drivers, journalists, nurses, doctors, and more.

Herstory supports Black Lives Matter and gives the platform to the black community to celebrate historic and modern black heroines in Ireland and across the world. This is an opportunity to share your stories, challenges and insights on how we can co-create an inclusive, multi-cultural Ireland together.

The Women who have Arrived theme reimagines the crone archetype for a progressive world, honouring our mothers, grandmothers and great-grandmothers. In pre-Christian Ireland the crone was the most powerful of the three Celtic life archetypes and honoured as the time when a woman came into her true power and sovereignty. In contrast, today women over 50 are almost invisible in popular culture, overshadowed by an irrational fixation on youth and the maiden archetype.

Finally, Brigids of the World spotlights the fact that Brigid was a pan-European goddess long before she was a saint. A unifying force across Europe, she was celebrated from Spain to Turkey. In an open call artists were invited to capture the modern, multi-cultural Brigid in all her fiery glory. What are the issues close to her heart? How would she wield her fire to challenge corruption and injustice? As a master of the arts, what wisdom and insights would she share through her creativity?

You can follow the event on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube with the hashtags #Herstory #BrigidsDay from 6pm on Sunday 31st January until midnight on Monday 1st February.

A heartfelt thanks to the Women’s Fund at the Community Foundation for Ireland for funding this spectacular light show and lifting Ireland's spirits as we celebrate the start of Spring and the return of the light.

Woman and Child / 06.01.21

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Every woman and child deserves to feel safe.

As the Christmas lights were switched off and the crib was packed away for another year, Safe Ireland turned the spotlight on the difficult issue of domestic violence, but more importantly, on what we can do together to make Ireland a safer place for women and children in 2021.

At the centre of our Christmas holiday is a mother and child. As a society, however, we are failing 1000s of women and children who live with coercive control and domestic abuse every day.

Christmas is a highly stressful time for those living with an abuser and new lockdown restrictions add to concerns that women and children may be further entrapped for an extended period of time. Safe Ireland knew from their services that Christmas had already been extremely busy and people were then facing into a January dealing with the impact of the double crisis of the holiday and this new period of strict lockdown.

Here are four simple but powerful things we can do to be more aware about coercive control and domestic abuse.

1. WATCH AND SHARE this powerful, 1 minute film.

Safe Ireland partnered with award winning director Marion Bergin to make Ireland’s first short film ad about coercive control. Watch and share it.

Safe Ireland, the national agency working with domestic violence services, has partnered with award-winning creatives Herstory and Film Director Marion Bergi...

2. KNOW MORE about coercive control.

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Coercive control is a crime. It is a persistent and deliberate pattern of behaviour by an abuser over a prolonged period of time designed to achieve obedience and fear. It does not have to be physical to be domestic abuse. Know the signs. You can download leaflets with more information from Safe Ireland here.

3. DONATE to help Safe Ireland protect more women and children.

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In 2021, we hope to emerge from the pandemic. But, restrictions are again in place and may remain for some time. For most of us, this means staying at home and limiting our social contacts. For women and children living with an abuser, this means the dread and risk of more months of threats, stress, coercion, abuse and violence. Donate through Safe Ireland here.

4. GET HELP and advice.

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If you or someone you care about is living with control and abuse in their home, staff in domestic abuse services across the country are highly trained and experienced. They will hear you and respond to your needs. Get help here.

Lioness by Ellen McDermott

Lioness by Ellen McDermott

OUT OF THE DARKNESS. INTO THE LIGHT.

We believe we have a real chance to change the relentless cycle of violence and abuse this year. Safe Ireland made really significant strides in 2020 in raising public and political consciousness about the dangers for women and children trapped with abusers.

In 2021, we can do even more to transform how we all understand and respond to the scourge of domestic abuse.

CREATIVE SOLUTIONS

Safe Ireland partnered in this campaign with award-winning creatives Herstory and film director Marion Bergin. This was a unique Christmas campaign because it launched on the last day of Christmas, Nollaig na mBán (Women’s Christmas).

The campaign features a powerful new first in Ireland – a 1 minute film advert that depicts the shrinking world of a woman and child living with control and abuse. The darkness of the film is complemented with a standout Herstory light show, illuminating landmark buildings like the GPO and Christchurch Cathedral in Dublin with images that celebrate the diversity, strength, autonomy and resilience of women in Ireland today. The light show features images from the award winning photographer Ellen McDermott, a dynamic new photographic series by photographer Myriam Riand and conceptual artist Áine O’Brien and the powerful new Safe Ireland advert created by Marion Bergin. You can see a selection of the images in the gallery below.

Safe Ireland believes that domestic violence can be prevented and exposed when all sectors of our society are talking about it and addressing it – creatives and artists, corporates and businesses, political and civil society. Then, Ireland will be safer for everyone.

Woman and Child, the campaign has been made possible with funding from The Community Foundation for Ireland and Irish Women in Harmony.

The Celtic Wheel - medicine for this profound time of transition / 08.10.20

Herstory invites you to a timely Facebook Live event on Thursday 8th October at 7.30pm when Herstory Founder Melanie Lynch will be in conversation with Mari Kennedy, celtic wisdom keeper, women’s leadership coach and founder of the Celtic Wheel

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The Celtic Wheel 20/21 is a year-long journey designed for women who want to activate their feminine wisdom and their sovereign power so they can live in more balance while in service to the new world emerging. Doors are open for registration until 20th October 2020.

Beginning on October 30th 2020, this deep immersion in Celtic wisdom follows each of the eight sacred Celtic festivals throughout the year - Samhain, Winter Solstice, Imbolc, Spring Equinox, Bealtaine, Summer Solstice, Lughnasa and Autumn Equinox.

In Mari’s words: 

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"Here at the Celtic Wheel we are a community of maidens, mamas and elders from all walks of life. We are artists, teachers, entrepreneurs, dreamers, civil servants, lovers, loners, wild ones and quiet ones from around the planet.We gather to remember. To remember our connection to cycles, our connection to all things, our connection to each other, our connection to our soul. As we remember we awaken our bean feasa - our WISE WOMAN - we become shape-shifters, edge walkers and wisdom holders, and together we become a force for good in a world”

The world of strive-drive over-culture is collapsing around us. We as women are exhausted living that way. The Celtic Wheel is an ancient map that can help bring women back into balance and into our sovereignty,  so we can spin a new world into being.

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Mari Kennedy is strategic advisor and leadership coach to Herstory Founder & CEO Melanie Lynch who is currently immersed in Mari's transformational 21st Century Sovereign Woman programme. Mari is a Women’s Leadership Coach, Integral Facilitator, Wellbeing Consultant, Mindfulness Trainer, Celtic Wisdom Holder, Yoga Teacher and Entrepreneur.

The rise of the feminine is key to transforming the future of humanity. We hope you will join us on this timely journey.

The Godfathers of Herstory: Celebrating Father’s Day / 21. 06.20

Time: Sunday 21st June, 7 - 8.30pm

Where: YouTube Live Stream

THE GODFATHERS OF HERSTORY

On Father’s Day, Sunday 21st June, Herstory invites you to a special online event in honour of the fathers who have empowered their daughters throughout the centuries and Herstory’s Godfathers who have played a pivotal role in co-creating the Irish Herstory movement. Equality is human nature and when we spot it, we have to celebrate it!

Join us for a fascinating evening of storytelling and conversation with poet John Ennis, artist Jim Fitzpatrick, celtic wisdom keeper Mari Kennedy, activists Ellie Kisyombé and Salome Mbugua, co-founder of Bard Mythologies Sandy Dunlop, and more.

What is the role of men in feminism? How can we move beyond toxic masculinity and femininity to rewrite the future? Can we turn the gender war into a dance to equality?

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'Women Rising' #IWD2020 Moon Medicine

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Women Rising takes place at the famous Pillar Room within the Rotunda Hospital site from 7-9.30pm on March 8, with host Kathy Scott {The Trailblazery}, collaborator Melanie Lynch {Herstory} and guest luminaries Razan Ibraheem {Irish-Syrian journalist and feminist and UN refugee speaker} and Salome Mbugua {researcher, gender equality activist and human right advocate}. We will also be joined by our musician-in-residence artist, Afro-Irish singer and songwriter Tolü Makay. Together, they will share their stories as women from a range of cultural backgrounds who are advocating for social justice, gender equality and human rights in the world today.

Kathy Scott, founder and Creative Director of The Trailblazery shares
 

Moon Medicine is an invitation for women in Ireland and globally to come together, share stories and celebrate our creative feminine life force. We are here to empower and elevate women from all walks of life. We are delighted on International Women's Day 2020 to collaborate with Herstory to create a platform for a host of multicultural female activists whose courageous stories need to be heard witnessed and felt in Ireland right now”


Melanie Lynch, founder and CEO of Herstory adds

“Herstory is exploring the insight and fact that emigration and immigration are two sides of the same story. To be human is to migrate, share stories and our common humanity. In the Herstory: Ireland’s EPIC women TV and podcast series we share the lives of fascinating Irish women, many of whom had to leave Ireland to find work and a better life for their families. Herstory is delighted to collaborate with The Trailblazery for a special IWD Moon Medicine event that will give the stage to awe-inspiring women from diverse cultures who now call Ireland their home and enhance Irish culture with their energy, compassion, and wisdom.”
 

We look forward to welcoming you on March 08 for a trailblazing gathering. The Trailblazery have created a series of special bundles from annual membership to unwaged. Click here to book your spot. Join us and tell your sisters!

About Razan :  Razan Ibraheem is an Irish-Syrian journalist and activist. She came over to Ireland to do her MA (ELT) at the University of Limerick. The escalating violence in her country made her seek stay on in Ireland. She works as an assistant editor and a senior journalist in a leading social media news agency, Storyful. Her deep sorrow for the tragic situation in Syria has made her volunteer to go to Greece to help refugees. The people she met and the stories she heard from Syrian refugees there changed her perspective in life. She gave a speech with the UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon. On 2015, she was invited by the UN to a high-level meeting on global responsibility sharing through pathways for admission of Syrian refugees. She has also been involved in projects with RTE, Amnesty International, Brighter Futures and Immigration Council. Razan was rewarded the International Woman of the Year by the Irish Tatler in 2016 

About Salome: Salome Mbugua has been Head of Operations and Strategy with AkiDwA since September 2018. She is a researcher, gender equality activist and human rights advocate with over 20 years’ experience of working with under-represented groups, in particular  with women, children, and  young people, in Europe, Africa and internationally. In June 2018 Salome  was appointed by the Tánaiste to chair the working group on Ireland’s Third National Action Plan on Women Peace and Security . In September 2018 Salome was appointed  to   the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission by the President of Ireland  Michael D Higgins.

Salome has extensive expertise and experience in areas such as organizational management, policy development,  strategic planning, human resources management, project development, conflict resolution, gender and migration, Gender Based Violence, civic engagement, health and Economic Empowerment and Feminist approach to research and analysis. Her strong believe in equality and justice has shaped her career, leading to engagement with policy makers at National, European and International level. Salome has been involved with various Irish Government Departments in  the development of several policies and strategies  focusing on economic, social and political development.

About Tolu: Born in Nigeria and raised in Ireland since the age of 5, Tolü Makay is an artist with a gifted voice. With every song, every note, every melody she sings, combining her passion for writing about her experiences, she effortless draws people into a world of sensation. In 2019, Tolü was selected as one of Ireland’s “ones to watch” by Dave Allen. Soon after she worked with the Irish singer-songwriter delush and his record label (Welcome to the New World) to be the featured artist on his single ‘The Greatest Gift’. This led to her signing with the Berlin-based record label right afterwards. 2020 is a year of growth and staying true to the theme of writing her experience, Tolü Makay is now working on an EP about personal growth in confidence and stages of self-love.

About Moon Medicine: Moon Medicine was initiated by The Trailblazery {Census of the Heart, We Need to Talk About Ireland, Rites of Passage} in 2018 in the light of Repeal and the rising momentum of women worldwide speaking out, stepping up and reclaiming their power. Our mission is to help women to remember, embody and reclaim their authentic powerful selves so that together we can rise and lift each other up along the way. In 2019 the Moon Medicine Global Academy was launched - a year-long online training programme for women which expanded our Moon Medicine circle to include women all over the world.

Our live Moon Medicine gatherings weave together a range of feminine teachings blending ancient wisdom with cutting edge developments in the fields of epigenetics, quantum physics and neuroscience. We explore the gifts of the lunar cycle as a map of empowerment for women’s wellbeing. We draw from a deep well to find practices and resources that support women’s self care and the care of this place we call home. To find out more visit TheTrailblazery.com

Herstory Events at EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum / Jan - Mar 2020

Credit: epicchq.com

Credit: epicchq.com

EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum is proud to collaborate with the Herstory 20/20 project for a series of special events to highlight the role women have played in history - one that has often been overlooked. Places are limited, so book now to avoid disappointment.

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Blazing a Trail Exhibition

Jan - Mar 2020, FREE Admission

Blazing a Trail: Lives and Legacies of Irish Diaspora Women celebrates the lives and legacies of 21 pioneering Irish diaspora women of the 19th and 20th centuries who blazed a trail in a wide range of fields. These women made their mark across the globe, innovating in every field and paving the way for others to follow, navigating a male-dominated society on their own terms.

The exhibition is a collaboration between EPIC, Herstory and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

To find out more, click here.

Check out these other INCREDIBLE events taking place at EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum…

Around the World with Nellie Bly: Board Gaming Day

10am & 1pm, 15th February

This interactive board game lets you follow in the footsteps of journalist Nellie Bly, who in 1890 travelled around the world in 72 days! Two sessions available, 10am & 1pm, 15th Feb. To find out more, click here.

Rebels & Revolutionaries: Poster Workshop

11am, 20th February

Be inspired by the amazing tales of trailblazing women featured in our museum with this creative poster making workshop. Suitable for ages 7 - 12. Also available to book for school groups. To find out more, click here.

Art by Szabolcs Kariko

Art by Szabolcs Kariko

Blazing a Trail: Illustration Workshop with Tarsila Kruse

11am, 29th February

Join us for this inspiring and creative workshop where you will create your very own selfie – or self-portrait – using the old fashioned tools of pens, pencils and paint! Suitable for ages 12 - 16. To find out more, click here.

Rebels and Revolutionaries: Museum Tours

11am, 1pm, 3pm, 8th March

On International Women's Day, discover the stories of the pioneering Irish women who have shaped the world with this specially curated tour of our museum. Tours at 11am, 1pm & 3pm. To find out more, click here.

International Women's Day: Irish Trailblazers Panel Discussion

2pm, 8th March

Join Dr Angela Byrne, Dr Leanne McCormack, Dr Mary McAuliffe & Dr Ann Marie O'Brien in conversation to discuss transnational Irish women and their campaigns for gender rights and equality. To book, click here.

2020 INTERNATIONAL HERSTORY LIGHT FESTIVAL

Markievicz illuminating the GPO

Markievicz illuminating the GPO

IRELAND CALLS ON HER SISTERS WORLDWIDE TO EMERGE FROM THE SHADOWS INTO THE LIGHT

The Herstory Light Festival is an annual global event celebrating women and equality. The 2020 Herstory Light Festival takes place over the weekend of Brigid’s Day (Friday 31st January – Monday 3rd February 2020) in honour of Ireland’s triple goddess and matron Saint.

The Official Programme of events for the 2020 Herstory Light Festival is now LIVE.

Friday 31st January Events

Saturday 1st February Events

Sunday 2nd February Events

Monday 3rd February: Herstory:Ireland’s EPIC Women airs at 8.30pm on RTÉ 1 and the 6 Herstory animations air on RTÉJr

"Women's achievements and struggles have been lost in the shadows for too long, resulting in global inequality and a regression of women's rights. That's why Herstory is harnessing the alchemical power of light, to celebrate women and equality, spotlight inequality, and create visions for a World of Equals."

- Melanie Lynch, Founder of Herstory

The Herstory Light Festival launched in 2017 as a grassroots light festival and quickly gathered viral momentum around the island of Ireland, with castles, museums, theatres, libraries, offices and homes illuminating in celebration of women and girls.  In 2018, the festival generated 26 million Twitter impressions, making the RTÉ 6.01 News Headlines. Only in its 2nd year, the festival went international with participation in the USA, UK, Spain, Sweden, France, Lithuania, Slovenia, and Poland.

A FESTIVAL FOR THE PEOPLE

The beauty of light festivals is everyone can get involved - you can light up a national landmark or your living room. It's so simple. All you need is a light projector and some images from family photo albums or local archives. And there's no shortage of light projectors - you will find one in every classroom and boardroom. This is a grassroots festival for the people and we hope that no matter where you live in the world, you will spread the word to friends and family. Click here for novel ideas to illuminate and honour the women you love.

JOIN US

There are 4 universal themes running over 4 nights. For advice on lighting a landmark building click here.

Complete the event registration form online by the 14th December 2019 to have your light installation or storytelling event featured in the 2020 Festival programme.

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#Herstory


MELTING POT / Nollaig na mBan 06.01.20

MELTING POT GATHERINGS FOR OUR NEW IRELAND

In 2020, we are bringing Nollaig na mBan into the 21st century in celebration of our new multi-cultural Ireland. Herstory has partnered with Our Table to create the Melting Pot gatherings, inviting people from all cultures to come together to share food, stories, music and our common humanity.

To register your Melting Pot gathering click here to complete this simple event form.

We are barraged daily by divisive forces and the power of politics, but the real power lies with the people. The power of sharing, of breaking bread together and the healing power of storytelling are rituals that are enjoyed by every culture and creed.

On the 6th January every year, Ireland celebrates an old rural ritual with a patriarchal past. Traditionally, Nollaig na mBan (Women’s Little Christmas) is the day after Christmas when women are set free from the kitchen to enjoy a well-earned night off with their girlfriends. Now we are calling on the women of Ireland to create a new multi-cultural Nollaig na mBan and host Melting Pot gatherings in our homes, community centres, local restaurants and direct provision centres.

Ellie Kisyombé

Ellie Kisyombé

Melting Pot is another initiative from the Herstory 20/20 project with RTÉ and EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum, and this particular initiative is inspired by Our Table, a social enterprise which aims at creating a connected and inclusive community through food. Founded by activist Ellie Kisyombe and Michelle Darmody, they met through a shared belief that a conversation needed to be started about Direct Provision, and the idea that food was a good way to get conversation started. Ellie has been in the asylum process for many years and she is a vocal campaigner to end Direct Provision in Ireland as a volunteer with the Irish Refugee Council. In 2019, Ellie became the first person to run for office whilst living in Direct Provision. Ellie is a Herstory heroine and her awe-inspiring story will be featured with the stories of women living in Direct Provision as part of the Herstory 20/20 Project in partnership with RTÉ and EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum.

““Diversity is having a seat at the table, inclusion is having a voice, and belonging is having that voice heard.”

— Anonymous

It’s so simple to organise a Melting Pot gathering: just pick a venue and invite people to bring a dish and a story or music from their culture. The story can be a personal tale, local legend or folklore from anywhere in the world. Then let the stories flow and the bonds grow over a deliciously diverse dinner.

Nollaig na mBan has always been a women’s night off but we don’t want to exclude men and children from these fascinating storytelling suppers so there’s a twist - the men can come if they do the dishes!

“We are connected as human beings, whether we are women of colour, Hispanic, Asian or white Caucasian. No matter where we are from in the world, all women want the same things: to nurture our communities, raise our families, and create a homely home. Food plays a big part in this. When we come together sitting on the long tables, sharing food, stories, and ideas, we build harmony and peace. We realise we are every woman, who wants nothing but stability for our families and communities,” says Ellie Kisyombé, Founder of Our Table.

“Christmas has been consumed by consumerism, drifting from its Christian origins of compassion and inclusion. To be human is to migrate, to share stories and break bread together. Ireland has the biggest diaspora in the world with 70 million people cherishing their Irish roots worldwide. However, the Irish migration story is marked by successes and struggles. We know only too well what it feels like to be excluded, stereotyped and discriminated against. In these divisive times, we forget that immigration and emigration are two sides of the same story. It’s only right that we open our doors and our hearts to the New Irish who have joined our communities from distant shores. If Ireland has the greatest diaspora we should be the most compassionate country in the world.” says Herstory Founder Melanie Lynch.

Click here to contact your local Direct Provision centre and invite people to join your Melting Pot gathering.

Click here for recipe ideas from around the world.

To register your Melting Pot gathering click here to complete this simple event form.

On Nollaig na mBan share your photos online with the hashtag #MeltingPot

Thanks to Susan Quirke and Ruairí McKiernan for advising on this special project.

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Thanks to Susan Quirke and Ruairí McKiernan for advising on this special project

Blazing a Trail exhibition / 04 - 18.01.2019

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BLAZING A TRAIL EXHIBITION

DATES: 4th - 18th January 2019

VENUE: EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum, CHQ Custom House Quay,Dublin 1

‘Blazing a Trail: Lives and Legacies of Irish Diaspora Women’ is a new exhibition running at EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum from 4th - 18th January 2019. It celebrates the lives and legacies of 21 pioneering Irish diaspora women of the 19th and 20th centuries who blazed a trail in a wide range of fields. The exhibition is a collaboration between EPIC, Herstory and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

On the 20th November, the eve of the centenary when women were first given the right to run for parliament, we launched 'Blazing a Trail', the first exhibition celebrating Irish diaspora women & the first women's exhibition to run in the Irish Embassy network. The exhibition marks the centenary of partial women’s suffrage, the right of Irish and British women to vote in elections. Individual Irishwomen across the globe struggled for their own professional recognition, and for justice and equality for others.

Some of the Irish women featured in ‘Blazing a Trail’ include designer and architect Eileen Gray; computer programming pioneer Kay McNulty; poet, mystic and trade unionist Eva Gore-Booth; tennis champion Mabel Cahill; medical missionary Sr Dr Maura Lynch; and ‘most dangerous woman in America’ Mother Jones. As part of the exhibition, Hungarian artist Szabolcs Kariko has created original portraits of several of the women.

Watch the ‘Blazing a Trail’ video, featuring Tara Flynn, Dr Micheline Sheehy Skeffington, Dr Ciara Kelly and Dr Niamh Shaw picking their most influential figures from the exhibition:

Emigration offered many women access to education, careers and other opportunities that may not have been available in Ireland. These women made their mark across the globe, innovating in every field and paving the way for others to follow, navigating a male-dominated society on their own terms.

‘Blazing a Trail’ is free and open to the public at EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum in the CHQ Building from 12–25 November 2018 from 9.30am-6.30pm, returning from the 4th - 18th January 2019. The exhibition will then travel to Irish embassies around the world over the coming years.

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I SEE YOU / 11 - 26.05.2018

I SEE YOU

World Premiere at Theatre Upstairs 
Written by Amy De Bhrún -- Starring Amy De Bhrún & Roxanna Nic Liam

Dates: 11th - 26th May 2018: Monday - Saturday @ 7PM / Wednesday + Saturday @ 1PM
Previews: €10.00 / €8.00 / General Admission: €12.50 / €10.00


Venue: Theatre Upstairs, Lanigan's Bar, 10 Eden Quay, D1

www.theatreupstairs.ie / 085 772 7375

 

Two women. A Century Apart. Same Story.

 “I See You” is an insight into the life of Limerick-born Lady Mary Heath, first female commercial pilot and all round trailblazer. Her untold story sank into the walls of history, where she remains to this day.

 Set against the backdrop of Modern Mary’s story – one of a middle class Irish woman, who discovers she is pregnant early on in an abusive relationship. Without any options available to her, she is forced to continue with her pregnancy, which inevitably leads to devastating consequences. 

 Through spoken word and soundscape, the two characters learn to communicate with each other – leading Modern Mary to make the biggest decision of her life.

 This is an immersive and female-led piece of theatre, which breaks the fourth wall. In fact, the only wall in this show is the one between them, encouraging these characters to become creative with their means of communication.

“I See You” explores how if women’s stories continue to go untold and unacknowledged, we will have no role models, and therefore repeat cycles of inequity, inhibiting our ability to evolve and move forward as powerful women in today’s society.

Banner image: Lady Mary Heath by Séan Branigan of Storyboard workshop

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Herstory: Suffragette Walking Tours / 15 - 19.03.18

Herstory: Suffragette Walking Tour

Venue: Starting from City Hall

Dates: 15th - 19th March

Time: 15th–16th: 5pm and 18th–19th: 11am

Tickets: €7

The suffrage movement in Ireland has been overshadowed by the events that took place in 1912-1923. This walking tour will highlight some of the key figures and events undertaken by very courageous women in their efforts to win equality for women. 

The suffrage movement came to the fore in the mid to late 19th century. Initially the movement relied on constitutional methods to win support for their cause, but in the early years of the 20th century, more campaigners began to emerge such as Hannah Sheehy Skeffington, Margaret Cousins, who set up the Irish Women’s Franchise League (IWFL) in 1908. They were followed by Louie Bennett and Helen Chenevix who founded the Irish Women’s Suffrage Federation in 1911. The IWFL was a more militant body with close ties to the Women’s Social and Political Union and Sylvia Pankhurst.

WWI changed the whole political spectrum in Ireland and from 1916 on, Irish independence dominated everything. But the suffragettes did not go away. Many supported the Independence movement, sadly though, in the new Ireland that emerged, the rights of women were far from realised.

Stops on the tour will include City Hall, Rosie Hackett Bridge, Nassau Street/Dawson Street and the Mansion House.


Supported by: 

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Herstory: Revolutionary Religious Women / 18.03.18

Herstory: Revolutionary Religious Women

Date: Sunday 18 March

Venue: The Unitarian Church, 112 St Stephen's Green, Dublin 2

Doors: 3.00pm, Start 3.30pm

Tickets: €7

As part of the St. Patrick’s Festival, Herstory will host events in landmark locations around Dublin city celebrating women’s stories throughout history.

Truth be told, women played a key role in the early development of many world religions. In this Herstory Salon lost legends and the forgotten feminine wisdom of Christianity, Islam and ancient pagan religion will be uncovered. From saints to goddesses, we will explore their life stories and the importance of honouring the Sacred Feminine Mary Magdalene emerges from the shadows with Khadijah, the Prophet Mohammad’s wife. The female disciples return, once lost by history, now rediscovered by Herstory. Have you heard of Thecla or Teia Tephi? Did you know that King Laoighre’s daughters saved the life of St. Patrick, Ireland’s patron saint? Think you know our matron St. Brigid? Think again.

Religion has dominated Irish life and permeated our culture for centuries. As we witness the demise of the church and the rise of celebrity culture; the crisis in spirituality, masculinity and femininity will be explored. In a world that has never been more unequal, we ask if it’s time for religions to evolve, acknowledge the role of women, the importance of the Sacred Feminine, and create future faiths based on equality and respect for both sexes? 

Speakers and performers include Tara Flynn (comedian, writer & actress, John Ennis (poet, academic & activist), Danushia Kaczmarek (author & spiritual teacher), Fatin Al Tamini, (activist & photographer), Melania Mora Tomas (member of the Baha'i Faith), Prajnamayi (member of the Triratna Buddhist Community) and the Swami from the Sikh faith.


Supported by: 

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Herstory: Ireland of Equals / 16.03.18

Herstory: Ireland of Equals

Date: Friday 16 March

Venue: Freemasons Grand Hall, Molesworth Street, Dublin 2

Doors: 6pm & Start: 6.30

Tickets: €7

As part of the St. Patrick’s Festival, Herstory will host events in landmark locations around Dublin city celebrating women’s stories throughout history.

Generations of pioneering Irish women played a crucial role in the development of democracy in their own country and around the world. As we approach the centenary of the partial enfranchisement of Irish women, it is vital that we honour these women and their contribution to Irish and world history, and it is fitting that we do in the heart of Irish democracy.

In the Decade of Centenaries, egalitarian partnerships, personal and professional, from history and contemporary culture will be explored. You will discover that in nearly every remarkable woman’s biography, there was a man who saw her as an equal. Speakers reveal the dynamic duos who spearheaded the 1916 Rising and the Suffrage Movement at home in Ireland and abroad. ‘Ireland of Equals’ was the 1916 vision. Once perceived as visionary, the time has come to make it a reality.

Speakers include the Lord Mayor of Dublin, Senia Paseta (Professor of Modern History, Oxford University), Colm O' Gorman (CEO of Amnesty Ireland), Dr. Micheline Sheehy-Skeffington (Women’s Rights Activist and granddaughter of Hanna & Francis Sheehy-Skeffington), Dr. Mary Mc Auliffe (Historian and Assistant Professor of Gender Studies, UCD).  Each speaker is followed with a performance by young contemporary poets Rebecca T. Kealy, Melissa Ridge and Felicia Oulsanya.


Supported by: 

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Oxford University Herstory Salon / 20.01.18

“Women in Oxford” in partnership with Herstory.

DATE: Saturday 20 January 2018, 5-7pm

VENUE: Senior Common Room, St Hilda’s College, University of Oxford

Speakers include Prof Patricia Daley, Rene Sharanya Verma, Dr Liz Woolley, “Women in Oxford’s History” podcasters, Melanie Lynch…

This event will be ticketed. Details to follow on Eventbrite. Please click here.

Salons are open to anyone. 

Salons are held in the Senior Common Room, St Hilda’s College.  The room is wheelchair accessible.

Please click here to read the blogpost by Herstory Founder Melanie Lynch

Athlone Herstory Salon / 20.11.17

ATHLONE HERSTORY SALON

VENUE: Earl of Rosse Theatre, Athlone Institute of Technology

DATE: 20.11.17

TIME: 7 - 9pm

The salon is free and open to the public.

Hosted by Caroline Coyle  and launched by Ruth Illingworth.

Speakers include Ruth Illingworth, Dr Teresa O Hara, Irena Djak Cvetkovic, Trish Nolan, Helen Nana Awinawhu, Dr Trish Heavey and Melanie Lynch.

Poetry and storytelling by Patrick Carton, Dr Rebecca D’arcy and Community Poetry and Storytelling Session with Sinead, Maria, Dermot, Amy, Brian, Ursula, Sadhbh, Chris, Paula, Mia.

PopUp Art Exhibition featuring art by Rosemarie Langtry, Tina Elliffe, Amy Barry, Natasha Barry, Erica Fellows Smith, Ursula Ledwith, Paul McGahey, Sadhbh Brereton, Dee McKiernan, Paula Sharkey, Patsy Preston, Caroline Coyle.

              

2018 Herstory Light Festival

Illuminate Herstory LIGHT FESTIVAL

5-8th January 2018

Illuminate Herstory is a new annual global light festival celebrating women and girls. Every year the Christmas lights go out over the weekend of Nollaig na mBan (Women's Little Christmas). Join us on the 5 - 8th January 2018 and together we will illuminate the world with women.

IRELAND CALLS ON HER SISTERS WORLDWIDE TO EMERGE FROM THE SHADOWS INTO THE LIGHT.

"The fact is women's achievements and struggles have been lost in the shadows for too long, resulting in global inequality and a regression of women's rights. That's why Herstory is using light, to highlight women's stories and turn the spotlight on inequality."

 

A FESTIVAL FOR THE PEOPLE 

The beauty of light festivals is everyone can get involved - you can light up a national landmark or your living room. It's so simple. All you need is a light projector and some images from family photo albums or local archives. And there's no shortage of light projectors - you will find one in every classroom, boardroom, and bar. Illuminate Herstory is a grassroots festival and we hope people at home in Ireland will get involved and spread the word to friends and family in the Diaspora abroad.

JOIN US

For the official festival programme, there are 4 universal themes running over 4 nights, from 5-8th January 2018. From Monday 8th January 2018, the first day of the new school term, the #IlluminateHerstory theme is ‘Voices of the Future’. Students across the island of Ireland are invited to complete special workshops, illuminating classrooms with their heroines and visions for a ‘world of equals’ throughout the month of January. Click here to download the workshops.For the official festival programme, there are 4 universal themes running over 4 nights, from 5-8th January 2018. Click here to submit your event for inclusion in the programme. 

Herstory is calling on businesses to support this new light festival with an authentic thank you. Discover more.

 

Galway Herstory Salon / 20.06.17

Galway Herstory Salon / 20.06.17

Date: 20.06.17

Time: 6-8PM

Venue: NUI Galway – Aula Maxima Lower

***SEE PROGRAMME BELOW***

Programme:

Máirín Ní Dhonnchadha – A snapshot of four female poets in pre-tenth-century Ireland

Erin McCarthy – RECIRC: The Reception and Circulation of Early Modern Women’s Writing, 1550-1700

Evan Bourke – A case study: Katherine Jones, Lady Ranelagh

Muireann O’Cinneide – Women Writing War: Ireland 1880-1922

Bronagh McShane – The Women’s History Association of Ireland

Carol Ballantine – ‘It’s always her fault’: Stigma and gendered shame

Bernadette Divilly – Ciúnas contemplative dance video and discussion

Sarah O’Toole – What Foremothers? play discussion

Justine Nakase – #WakingtheFeministsWest

Questions/group discussion

Light refreshments

Art exhibition Erstwhile: works by Dagmar Drabent, Bridget Guest, and Marina Wild (on display throughout the evening)