Using Linen Hall's unique archives as inspiration and source, the project collected and shared the stories of women from the mid-20th century to the present day. It revealed how women have found solidarity during challenging and divisive times, working together to lead positive change for other women and their communities.
Community participation was at the centre of this project. In small, participant-led conversations, women from many different backgrounds shared their stories – including ex-prisoners, people with disabilities, members of the Traveller community, LGBTQ+ people, young people and those from urban and rural areas. These stories were captured by volunteers trained in oral history recording.
Participants played an important role in shaping the themes presented in the digital exhibitions ‘Sparks: A Celebratory Portrait of Women in Northern Ireland’ and ‘Together We Are Strong: Women in Northern Ireland Since 1965'. They also donated more than 2,000 personal items which were added to the Linen Hall Library’s collections for future generations to explore.
The project offers a rich digital resource, exploring themes such as equality, leadership, work, family life and the impact of conflict.
By amplifying voices and experiences that have often been excluded from the traditional historic record, the project empowered communities in Northen Ireland, including women of different backgrounds, and highlighted their significant role in society past and present.
Linen Hall librarian, Samantha McCombe, says: “In a project full of highlights, the overarching highlight was the authenticity and honesty of the participants. The remarkable insights, the trust we were shown with women’s stories and the genuine enthusiasm of the groups was the foundation for the project’s success.
“The project also illustrated the expansive roles of women in Northern Ireland during the time under review. Often in parallel with the ‘traditional’ roles of women as mothers and homemakers, the project spotlighted women who were instrumental in progressing women’s rights in education, employment, health, welfare and social justice.”
