‘WOMEN WORKERS’ COMPETITION LAUNCH
Left clockwise: James Connolly Centre programme entry featuring an image of its painting of late legendary trade unionist and rights champion Inez McCormack, and photographs of the ‘Women Workers’ judging panel - Sara O’Neill, Clíodhna NicBhranair, Patricia McKeown - joining WIMB to pick the best competition entries.
READ ALL ABOUT IT - WIMB ‘WOMEN WORKERS’ COMPETITION IS OPEN FOR ENTRIES
Are you 16-18 years old, or do you know someone who is? You want to read this.
Women in Media Belfast’s (WIMB) latest competition is live for entries.
WIMB is pleased to once again partner with Áras Uí Chonghaile James Connolly Visitor Centre in Belfast on a competition - this time with the theme ‘Women Workers’.
The competition is open to 16-18 year olds*
We are asking entrants to create a video/smartphone report on ‘Women Workers’ focusing on the challenges facing women workers in the modern day, and the role of trade unions in combating those challenges.
The video can last up to THREE minutes and must include at least ONE interview with a trade unionist - be that a member, activist or representative.
The judging panel will include WIMB, Áras Uí Chonghaile’s Clíodhna NicBhranair, leading trade unionist Patricia McKeown, and artist and designer Sara O’Neill, whose latest creation ‘The Dreamer’ celebrates the skills of Belfast mill workers.
WIMB co-founder Amanda Ferguson said: “Whether you’re a budding journalist, a bunch of mates, a youth group with tripods, mics, and fancy recording equipment, or a young person with a smartphone, we want you to get involved.
“Your entry can be a traditional news report style, a Tik Tok style clip, or whatever other style you want.
“We want you to get creative and interpret the ‘Women Workers’ theme how you see fit.
“We can’t wait to watch your reports. And WIMB is so thrilled to be partnering with the James Connolly Centre again, and to be joined by such incredible women on our judging panel.”
UNISON regional secretary Patricia McKeown said: “I am delighted to support this initiative.
“Trade unions are the champions of workers’ rights and womens’ rights.
“It is vital that a younger generation join unions to fight for their rights.
“Rights are won through struggle and can’t be taken for granted.”
Artist and designer Sara O’Neill said: “I am delighted to work with Women in Media Belfast on this competition.
“It’s so important to listen to and platform younger generations and WIMB do vital work in this area, mentoring and amplifying the voices of the future.
“I look forward to seeing and hearing the submissions made to this competition highlighting the role of working women, especially as my own most recent work has paid homage to the ‘Millies’.
“I feel that the huge contribution made by these skilled working class women is often overlooked and I wanted to do my bit to correct that.”
Clíodhna NicBhranair, Áras Uí Chonghaile development officer, said: “We’re delighted to be partnering with Women in Media Belfast for this competition which will highlight the hugely important role of women workers and of trade unions, echoing the writings of James Connolly which are still incredibly relevant in today’s world.”
*COMPETITION RULES
The competition is open to 16-18 year olds.
Competition entries MUST be submitted by a person aged 18 or over.
If you are 16 or 17, and making an individual report, we need a parent or legal guardian to submit your entry.
If you are submitting a group report, which includes under 18s, we need confirmation that they have permission from a parent or legal guardian to participate.
Entry to the competition means you consent to the report being used in the media and online by WIMB and Áras Uí Chonghaile James Connolly Visitor Centre.
Please send your entry to contact@wimbelfast.com with the subject title WOMEN WORKERS.
The deadline for entries is midday on Friday, November 18th, 2022.
As well as having fun creating your reports there is the incentive of competition prizes.
A range of individual and group prizes will be provided by WIMB, Áras Uí Chonghaile James Connolly Visitor Centre, UNISON, Éadach by Sara O’Neill, and Radio Fáilte. Details here: https://www.wimbelfast.com/voices/young-reporters-competition-prize-announcement
Get busy and good luck to you all. #WIMB
MEET OUR JUDGING PANEL
WIMB will be joined on the ‘Women Workers’ competition judging panel by:
Patricia McKeown (pic by Kevin Cooper)
Patricia McKeown is regional secretary of UNISON, the public service union, and one of the most senior trade unionists in Ireland. Patricia is a feminist with a long track record of campaigning for equality and human rights both at home and internationally. She is currently co-convenor of the Equality Coalition. She was President of the Irish Congress of Trades 2007-2009 and chairperson of its Northern Committee from 2005-2007 and is former deputy chairperson of the EOCNI. Patricia is an elected member of both the NI Committee and the Executive Council of ICTU, and is a worker representative for Ireland on the European Economic and Social Committee.
Sara O’Neill
Sara O’Neill is an artist and the designer behind the print range Éadach. Her work is inspired by her grandmother’s stories and her native north coast. Éadach features Sara’s hand drawn illustrations worked into contemporary textile prints which celebrate Ireland’s myths, legends and folklore, and history and heritage of strong women.
A graduate of the University of Ulster, Sara worked as an award-winning stylist, writer and illustrator in the fashion industry for over a decade before turning her attention to design, with a focus on sustainability and storytelling. She counts Brown Thomas, Dublin, among her retailers and her most recent collection was purchased by the Ulster Museum, where it is currently exhibited.
Clíodhna NicBhranair
Clíodhna NicBhranair is the development officer in the James Connolly Visitor Centre in Belfast. She develops the work of the award-winning centre through its events programme and world class interactive exhibition, ensuring that Áras Uí Chonghaile is a key part of the wider tourism trail. A QUB graduate with a BA in Irish and History and an MA in Irish History, Clíodhna worked in various industries before moving into tourism and business development. A strong advocate for the Irish language, she teaches Irish evening classes and is a board member of Féile an Phobail, Ireland’s largest community arts festival.
For media queries please contact us via the website or contact@wimbelfast.com And for more about WIMB have a look through https://www.wimbelfast.com
