Sisters have been doing it for themslves in Mallow for 25 years
BACK in 1993 a group of visionary ladies from Mallow set up a new group to advance and support the personal development of women and encourage them to take an active role within their communities.
A quarter of a century later the group, aptly re-named ‘Women for Women’ in 1995, will mark its 25th anniversary in style with a public celebration at the Hibernian Hotel on Friday, April 13.
One of the highlights of the event, which will get underway at 8pm, will be a stage interview with the internationally renowned author Alice Taylor who will speak about her life and her glittering literary career.
The general public have been issued with an invitation to join group members for the anniversary celebration, which will also include performances by singer Dan Twomey, magician Liam Sheehan and refreshments.
Admission at the door will be €10.
Speaking to The Corkman Annabel Roberts said the core of the group was formed after its co-founders attended various different courses at the Bathview Family Centre in Mallow.
She said members of the group were referred initially by a public health nurse, a social worker and in some cases on their own request.
After forming a committee and relocating for a brief period to the Mallow Social Services Centre, the voluntary group now meets every Wednesday morning from 10am to noon at the Woodview Resource Centre on Kennel Hill.
It also utilises the venue to run a series of personal development and educational courses each year on a whole range of different topics including personal development, communication and self esteem, stress management, women’s health, parenting, cooking and CPR.
“Many of our 28-members come from the area, with the remainder coming from Mallow Town and greater Mallow area. A lot of our member need support to cope with personal problems and are empowered not just by the courses we hold but also by the help of fellow participants,” said Annabel.
As part of its education programme the group invites guest speakers and facilitators to its courses and has also been involved in a variety of different initiatives , including collaborating with UCC to provide a very successful Social Studies diploma.
On International Women’s Day in 2011 the group also launched its own book entitled ‘All Kinds Of Everything’.
“Gender equality is now a very topical subject, but we have been talking about women supporting women and lifting each other up for the last 25-years,” said Annabel.
“Of course women’s issues are not just women’s issues. Topics such as nutrition, exercise, heath and stress management are also family issues. Women for Women has proudly sourced facilitators in all of these areas and many more besides.”
To find out more about Women for Women and how to apply to become a member visit the groups website at www.womenforwomenmallow.com.