Stories about female role models wins place on Genesis programme
WICKLOW social enterprise Herstory, a cultural movement that tells the stories of women, has won a place on Rethink Ireland’s Genesis programme.
The Genesis programme is an intensive two-day residential workshop that will focus on building the skills and knowledge needed to develop a sustainable social enterprise and be successful in future funding opportunities.
Rethink Ireland has announced 40 awardees of its Social Enterprise Development Fund; 16 enterprises will receive cash grants and business support. A further 24 enterprises, including Herstory, will receive strategic support to help expand their impact through a Genesis programme.
Founded in 2016, Herstory’s mission is to give youth and the public authentic female role models and a game-changing education programme, inspiring countries around the world to start their own Herstory movements.
Commenting on the awardees, CEO of Rethink Ireland Deirdre Mortell said: ‘Social enterprises like Herstory are at the forefront of achieving positive social change for communities across Ireland, using business skills and clever thinking to drive their social mission. Rethink Ireland was founded to support these organisations, and our Social Enterprise Development Fund will enable the awardees to go from strength to strength in enhancing the economic and social well-being of their communities. Throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, we have all been reminded about the value of strong community and supporting one another. Therefore, the role Rethink Ireland plays in promoting community and social enterprise is now even more important.’
Frank Curran, chief executive of Wicklow County Council, also congratulated Herstory on winning a place on the programme.
He said: ‘We would like to extend our congratulations to Herstory on their success in receiving a Social Enterprise Development Fund Award from Rethink Ireland.
‘ The Covid-19 crisis has highlighted many challenges and opportunities for our local communities in recent months – at both a social and economic level. Social enterprises can contribute an enormous amount to creating strong communities and to agile responses as our context continually changes. Thanks to Rethink Ireland and the Social Enterprise Development Fund, innovative organisations like Herstory will continue to bring about positive social change, while also boosting the local economy.’