ADDRESS BY PRESIDENT MARY McALEESE AT THE LAUNCH OF THE CROSS BORDER WOMEN’S NETWORK PROJECT
ADDRESS BY PRESIDENT MARY McALEESE AT THE LAUNCH OF THE CROSS BORDER WOMEN’S NETWORK PROJECT AT KILTYCLOGHER, CO. LEITRIM,
Firstly, let me say how delighted I am to be here with you to formally launch the Cross Border Women’s Network Project, and I am very grateful indeed to Mary Margaret Parsons – your hard-working and dedicated Chairperson - for her invitation to be with you today.
In this part of rural Ireland – where migration and emigration have had such a profound impact on the population, changing life-styles and working patterns creating imbalance in the age spread, it is crucially important that people and communities come together to form self-help groups such as yours. It is an essential step in the re-vitalisation of the community. It shakes off the doldrums and finds a new source of dynamism by harnessing the energy and talents of people who know their own area and who have a vested interest in keeping the community together. Leitrim, Cavan and Fermanagh have some of the most beautiful landscapes and natural outdoor amenities in Ireland; – yet they are places which have seen generation after generation of their young people move away to the perceived ‘greener pastures’ elsewhere in search of opportunity.
The irony, of course, is that in parallel with our economic progress – especially since the immediate post-war years – we have an educational system which has itself made a huge contribution to the population changes that have affected all rural areas of Ireland – North and South. The opening up of access to education - was a key foundation stone in our economic development. It drew out the latest genius, talent and drive of the emerging generations. As greater emphasis came to be placed simultaneously on agricultural productivity and efficiency - a new generation of professional farmers emerged but there was too a great reduction in the numbers of people directly dependent on agriculture for a living.
In these unfolding developments, families and communities, both urban and rural, have had to face great change. They have had to overcome new hurdles and devise fresh approaches, in order to preserve their sense of community in a changed and changing world. Increasingly people who want the best for their parish, their community are finding that the way forward lies in partnership. Throughout Ireland there is a great movement towards community focused partnership. There is a tremendous realisation that the solution to local problems lies first and foremost in the locality – that the communities themselves know best what they want and how they can get it. They know too of the strength in joining and linking with others in similar situations to work towards common goals – to share common ideals – to pool the resources of experience and wisdom. They have recognised the value in linking up with State and local authorities – of getting support from bodies such as the International Fund for Ireland. Indeed the IFI has contributed to a great number of cross-community projects - and has played a critical part in building bridges between communities and regions in Ireland.
The Cross Border Women’s Network Project is another example of what local people can do – of how determination and commitment born out of the clear perception of a need in the community, can have such a great impact in such a short time. In your case, the immediate need was to facilitate development of new and existing childcare and women’s groups in the region. Facilitation rather than provision is the key element in your work - recognising that within each community and each village, women themselves know best what they need to address their own problems. Yet by giving them an umbrella under which they can work with others, the Network serves to strengthen each of the groups involved in sourcing the resources and support they need to develop and change to meet emerging requirements. It gives them confidence that they can find a workable way forward - a way which will help them make the changes in their lives which lead to personal growth, a sense of self-worth and a vibrant community.
The pace of change today means that communities and community-based groups need to have the capacity to respond to new demands and new situations if they are to keep up. Today especially, change is the only real constant – and the ease with which people can meet that change is the measure of their success. Today’s rural communities are vastly different places from what they were twenty years ago. New industries mean different work patterns. More women are doubling the role of home-maker and bread-winner – and are playing a fuller part in the social, political, commercial and professional world. That change has brought about new requirements for childcare facilities – and new demands for training and education of those who want to participate in the modern Ireland.
I have no doubt that the focus of the Cross Border Women’s Network will continue to change and broaden as new horizons are reached – and new opportunities are presented. I want to give recognition to the great work that you have done in the short time since you started as a Network – to commend you on recognising and meeting a need in the region. I also want to wish you well in the continued development of the Network – as you rise to meet the challenges that the future will bring. The great strength of the Network is in the people and groups who participate in it – in the generous sharing of resources and information and in the effective pooling of energy and talent. Each achievement layers up a strong sense of purpose and confidence. These become the fuel which drives you on to new goals. You now have a fluent network of community groups who know they are advisors and that knowledge gives you the strength to bring your communities into the next millennium with hope, pride and confidence.