Forgotten Women – Seminar for international women’s day Avoca ~ 8th March 2012

Forgotten Women from the world of domestic abuse, the Travelling community, art and business will be honoured at a fascinating seminar this international women’s day in Avoca.

Broadcaster and journalist Mary Kenny, Bray Women’s Refuge Manager Barbara Mcallister, artist and thalidomide victim Mary Duffy, Hilary Pratt of Avoca Handweavers and Sr. Caitriona Geraghty (on Travelling women) are the impressive speakers who will address the seminar at the Woodenbridge Hotel in Avoca on Thursday, March 8, International Women’s Day at 7p.m.

The seminar will explore the indomitable spirit of women past and present and will focus in particular on women who have suffered domestic violence, Traveller women, women in business and female artists.

An art exhibition will also take place during the seminar entitled ‘ The Work of Human Hands‘ by local women artists.

Everyone is welcome and there is no charge but booking is essential.

The event is part of Avoca Parish Church’s sesquicentennial celebrations.

Avoca parish church was built by the local community back in 1862. A number of local women on the organising committee are highlighting the cause of women in the community as part of the celebrations, and parish priest Fr. Eamonn Crossan has welcomed this focus and has even invited a female theologian, Ms Anne Thurston to address the congregation at the special Mother’s Day mass on March 18. The celebrations are open to all denominations and represent forward-thinking on behalf of the local church. A packed schedule has been set out for the year which kicked off recently with an opening ceremony at the church in January and followed by a gala choral concert last weekend. It is hoped that the year will culminate in a special function which will see a time capsule buried to be discovered by the next generation.

For further information see: www.avoca150.ie

To register for the call 0879535586 or email avocawomen150@gmail.com.

http://www.wicklowpeople.ie/lifestyle/seminar-for-international-womens-day-3035936.html