Celebrating Women & Heritage: International Women’s Day at Strule Arts Centre

Strule Arts Centre marked International Women’s Day with a special morning event, Celebrating Women & Heritage, held on Saturday 7 March 2026 from 10.30am–12pm.

International Women’s Day (IWD), observed each year on 8 March, is a global celebration recognising the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. It also serves as a call to action for accelerating gender parity by raising awareness, championing positive change and supporting women-focused initiatives around the world.

The event offered a reflective and uplifting programme honouring the cultural legacy of women past and present, while connecting participants to the wider story of women’s creativity and heritage.

Guests were welcomed with tea, coffee and scones, creating a relaxed environment for conversation and connection. Award-winning poets and facilitators Cat Brogan and Michelle Dennehy led the session through storytelling, poetry and gentle reflection.

Drawing on the region’s rich literary heritage, the event explored the lives and contributions of influential women including Alice Milligan and Rose Kavanagh, whose writing and cultural activism helped shape both literary and social landscapes. Their stories were woven into a broader reflection on the generational impact of women’s creativity, heritage and community leadership.

Cat Brogan offered historical and cultural insights alongside readings from her own work. Michelle Dennehy shared poetry rooted in activism, wellness and women’s lived experience, providing inspiration as well as space for thoughtful reflection.

The morning concluded with a 15-minute guided meditation, inviting attendees to imaginatively journey through history—honouring women of the past, acknowledging the strength of ancestors, and celebrating themselves as women today.

Vice Chair of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, Cllr Shirley Hawkes said of the event;

“It was a privilege to join this year’s International Women’s Day celebration at Strule Arts Centre. The morning’s reflections on women’s creativity, heritage, and lived experience were inspiring and deeply grounding. Events like this remind us of the strength we inherit from the women who came before us, and the responsibility we share in creating opportunities for the women who will follow.”

The event celebrated local women while highlighting the enduring cultural legacy of women throughout history and their vital role in shaping shared heritage. Participants left feeling inspired, connected and grounded, with a deeper understanding of women’s cultural contributions and a strengthened sense of belonging within their community.

For further information on events, visit www.struleartscentre.co.uk or contact the Box Office on 02882 247831