LIMERICK pearls of wisdom were shared at an annual Women’s Collective Ireland event for International Women’s Day.
Over 80 women gathered at The Absolute Hotel to discuss issues including politics, peace and neutrality and violence against women.
Feminist, activist and Women’s Collective Ireland patron, Ailbhe Smyth was also in attendance on the night.
Some of the feminists honoured by the Collective included Margareta D’Arcy, Sinead O’Connor, Nell McCaffery and Edel Geraghty, who previously worked for the Collective and passed away in 2024.
The issues that garnered the most discussion from participants were global peace and the Triple Lock, especially following on from President Catherine Connelly’s strong statement on International Women’s Day. Other topics included the need for a 24 hour Sexual Assault Treatment Unit (SATU) for Munster.
The Mid West is currently the only area in the country where any survivor who wishes to avail of a forensic medical examination (FME) must report their assault to the Gardaà first or be forced to travel to other areas where reporting is not required.
Yvie Murphy, Women’s Collective Ireland – Limerick Coordinator, said: “Our work centers around creating safe and welcoming spaces where women can gather, connect and talk about the issues that are important to them. Many of the women who attended were horrified about the lack of a 24 hour SATU service in the Midwest. They were also fearful of the current political landscape and attempts by Government to dismantle the Triple Lock and forgo Ireland’s neutrality.
“Not only did this event see over 80 women share their stories and experiences, it also saw them become motivated to contact their political representatives about issues they are concerned about. Women standing up for their rights and equality is what International Women’s Day is all about”, Ms Murphy added.