Women and 1916

The 2016 Centenary Programme reminds us that women played a major part in the events of 1916 and that they came from varied backgrounds and all parts of society.

A number of initiatives and events relating to women are contained in the 2016 programme, including a major event on March 8th (International Women’s Day) in the Royal Hospital Kilmainham to commemorate the women of the Rising.

President Higgins will give the keynote address, and a travelling exhibition outlining the role of particular women will be made available to communities and Irish embassies and consulates abroad.

The local-authority programmes for 2016 contain more than 70 events and initiatives relating to women of the Rising and associated themes. They include lectures, exhibitions, art and theatre events, as well as events commemorating Cumann na mBan and individual women who played a direct or indirect part in the Rising.

Typical of events around the country relating to women of 1916 are: the Carlow Federation Irish Countrywomen's Association (ICA) producing a 6ftx3ft wall hanging depicting the seven signatories of the Proclamation; Ordinary Women in Extraordinary Times, an exhibition of photographs and story boards, presented by Shandon Area History Group in June; a symposium presented by the Kerry Women Writers Network; and Equality and the Proclamation, an international debate forum for women's social, cultural and economic equality as part of the Countess Markievicz Summer School at Lissadell House in Sligo on June 18th.