Mná na hÉireann (Women of Ireland)

“I learnt so much I didn't know and has inspired me to research more and attend more events.”

What we’ve accomplished:

80 attendees, spanning 3 generations including many mothers and daughters gathered at Putteridge Bury country house Luton for the final event of the Heritage Lottery Heritage funded, Ireland 1916 : Luton 2016 project.  

Mná na hÉireann remembered and celebrated the significant women in Irish history, sharing stories and experiences and hopes for the future. The attendees were given an overview of the Women’s Rights workshops through presentations, images and video. Special guest Dr Helen Pankhurst spoke about continuing the legacy started by her grandmother and great-grandmother through the Olympic Suffragettes, which campaigns on a number of women's rights issues, including international women's day marches and hosted a Q&A. Dr Pankhurst was only one attraction of an all-female line up with poignant presentations by women who benefited from attending the workshops, artists and traditional Irish musicians.  

One attendee commented “I learnt so much I didn't know and has inspired me to research more and attend more events.' 

Event organiser and HLF Project Manager Fiona Martin said, "Women's history has been described as a silent history - hopefully through events like these we will start talking about women's experiences and celebrating the contribution women have made to society."