Council events in support of women and equality
2nd January 2019
Fermanagh and Omagh District Council is supporting this year’s International Herstory Light Festival in January with a programme of events and activities.
The International Herstory Light Festival celebrates women and equality, with this year’s festival focusing on the ‘World of Equals’ theme.
As part of the international festival, Fermanagh and Omagh District Council will illuminate Enniskillen Castle and the Strule Arts Centre, Omagh, purple on four consecutive nights from Friday 4 to Monday 7 January 2019.
A number of events will also take place during the Festival to ‘celebrate women’.
Events at Strule Arts Centre include:
‘Heroines and Feminine Wisdom’, an evening of storytelling on Friday 4 January from 7pm – 9pm
The evening will be centred around the theme of ‘Ancients Rising’, focusing on heroines and feminine wisdom and will include Weihong, a Chinese dancer and Nisha Tandon, founder and Director of ArtsEkta. There will be a short dance performance, interesting insights into the role of Chinese and Indian women, in the home and work environments, along with their personal experiences. Free admission.
Walk the Labyrinth with Valerie Whitworth on Saturday 5 January from 11am to 1pm
This simple but powerful tool assists relaxation, meditation and self-discovery to encourage personal development as a new year begins. There will also be insights to and a demonstration of burlesque dancing by Kathy Collins. Admission £3.00.
Wind down with the movie ‘Hidden Figures’ on Saturday 5 January at 2 pm
As the United States raced against Russia to put a man in space, NASA found untapped talent in a group of African-American female mathematicians that served as the brains behind one of the greatest operations in U.S. history. Admission £4.00.
Futuristic Careers on Monday 7 January from 10am to 12.30pm
Second and third level students can explore futuristic careers with a variety of speakers talking about career and business opportunities. Speakers include Lauren O’Neill who is studying for a PhD relating to the harp, Mary MacRory from Omagh Enterprise Centre, Lynn McKinley, Chairperson Omagh Town Centre Forum, and a number of staff from Fermanagh and Omagh District Council. Admission £2.00.
In Enniskillen Castle the following events will take place:
Girl Power Workshop on Saturday 5 January at 11am and 2pm
Little ones can enjoy an hour-long Girl Power Workshop with picture books and stories to inspire young girls. Suitable for 4-7-year olds. Free admission.
‘Suffragettes, Scholars, Sisters & Spies: Women in Fermanagh 100 Years Ago’ exhibition, 28 January to 6 April 2019
This exhibition illuminates Fermanagh’s forgotten and famous daughters from the turn of the twentieth century. Discover what life was like for women at this pivotal time in national and international “herstory;” from the war to winning the vote. The unique selection of artefacts on display will remind us of the valuable contributions made by women to society, the home, and working life. The exhibition opens at Enniskillen Castle on 28 January and shows until 6 April 2019. Normal admission rates apply.
For more information on any of the events and to book please visit the Strule Arts Centre website at www.struleartscentre.co.uk and Enniskillen Castle website at www.enniskillencastle.co.uk
To find out more about the International Herstory Light Festival please visit www.herstory.ie/light/