Women refuse to wait for equality
A textile artist is drawing on the inspiration of the suffrage movement to drive home the message that women demand equality now.
Morag Donald is the force behind the creation of a large banner proclaiming the theme of this year’s International Women’s Day: ‘Accelerate Action’.
“At the current rate of progress, according to data from the World Economic Forum, it’ll take another 133 years to reach full gender parity which made me as a woman very cross,” Morag explains, her Scottish heritage apparent in her accent. “I just thought, oh my God, have we got to wait another 133 years?”
This disparity is having tangible effects on women today.
“In 2024 women were paid on average 18-20% less than men doing the same job in Ireland. So we still don’t even have equal pay, even though the law is there. That’s just one example of the gender disparity that’s still is going on.”
In response to these disparities, Morag is encouraging people to come along to Johnston Central Library this International Women’s Day and help crochet 133 flowers. They will be affixed to a banner in homage to the suffragettes in England in the early 20th century who held huge, colourful marches.
“Reporters at the time said that it was like a medieval pageant, so impressive was the work these women had done. So I’m going to make a suffragette style banner with the theme of Accelerate Action and International Women’s Say and then all the flowers will be pinned onto it. Hopefully it will make a nice display and will draw attention to this idea that we don’t want to wait that long, we’d really like it to be quicker.”
In preparation, last Monday Morag held workshops in Cavan and Dowra where she has worked with crochet groups before. As so many flowers are required she hopes that some experienced crocheters will be in amongst those attending Johnston Central Library on Saturday afternoon, along with newcomers to the craft.
“If people want to crochet their own flower at home and drop it in that would also be very welcome,” says Morag who lives in Florencecourt. “I feel that every person matters and every flower matters. It’s easy to feel that we can’t make a difference but we can - it’s a small thing to do but if we do it as a collective it sends a big message.
“The flower broaches will be distributed among the community as a reminder that we can all bloom if we’re given the opportunity.”
The project is funded by Creative Ireland through Creative Cavan. Morag will also be encouraging people to donate to Women’s Aid, the National Women’s Council of Ireland and the Women’s Collective who all do “really good grassroots work with women in Ireland”.
International Women’s Day is also significant for Morag as it coincides with the passing of her mother, Moira. “I could just hear my mom, who would have said to me, ‘If you want something done do it yourself, don’t wait for other people to do it.’
“She died eight years ago on International Women’s Day, so it’s a special day for me and I’m doing it in memory of her and all the women who came before her.
Maria Walsh, MEP will also attend Johnston Central Library from Saturday, March 9, 12-1pm to discuss her work on the committee on Women’s rights and gender equality.