Hanna's House

'Women's security issues have always been at the forefront of feminist activism, this series of seminars are particularly timely during this current escalation of violent confict worldwide' Myrtle Hill, 2009

Keynote speakers at the Derry seminar are: 

Bernadette McAliskey, political activist and author, publications include ‘On the Irish Freedom Struggle’, ‘The Irish Fight for Socialism’ and ‘The Price of my Soul’

Myrtle Hill, senior lecturer in women’s and gender studies at Queen’s University, and author of ‘Women in Ireland: A Century of Change’ and ‘Evangelical Protestantism in Ulster Society 1740 to 1890’

The keynote speeches will be followed by a panel of women speakers from diverse backgrounds including the LGBT, Traveller and Multi-cultural communities, who will discuss their experiences of women’s human rights; women’s activism; women working across divides; women’s contribution to public life; gender equality; dealing with differences and what feminism means to individual women today.  This will be followed by discussion and Q&A.

Hanna’s House, inspired by the suffragette and peace activist Hanna Sheehy Skeffington, is a feminist organisation that works to support women’s active participation in leadership and decision making in Ireland.  On 11 February it is launching the first in a series of seminars that aims to open dialogue between women across Ireland to discuss the legacy of the conflict in Ireland; the creation of equal, non-violent partnerships both in private and public spheres; and to provide an exciting opportunity to create solidarity amongst diverse groups of people by reclaiming and reconnecting to the feminist ideals of justice, equality and peace.

Hanna’s House believes in feminism because:

• Feminists take women’s lives, concerns, and issues seriously
• Feminists secured women’s right to vote
• Feminists insisted on women’s right to access contraception
• Feminists offer women advice and support on security issues including protection from domestic violence
• Feminists founded women’s refuges as safe havens from domestic violence
• Feminists acknowledge that women everywhere have issues in common although they are experienced differently
• Feminists are social activists and are passionate about women’s rights
• Feminists set up women’s networks and groups to support women wherever they are experiencing difficulties
• Feminists bring fresh perspectives, ask challenging questions, and aim to create more egalitarian, just and peaceful societies.

 Date: Wednesday, 11 February 2009

Time: 10.30am to 3.30pm

Venue: The Main Hall, the Guildhall, Derry

Refreshments and a sandwich lunch will be available.  There is no fee for this seminar.

Places are limited. To reserve your place email: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it   or call +353 1 8786400.