The newly-established North West Women in Farming will hold their first event in Donegal on Friday.
The event will see women of all ages coming together to share their experiences and to address key issues they face in the male-dominated farming sector.
The meeting takes place on the 19th of May in the Villa Rose Hotel, Ballybofey at 7.30pm. All women in farming from across the North West are welcome.
Since the group was set up online last month, common issues have arisen that the women deal with in rural life. The network has heard many stories from mothers who are struggling to raise small children and also stay involved in the practical farming.
Other important issues the women want to address are the health and safety of children and family on the farm, exploring how the farm is an excellent place for children to grow up and develop but also is such a dangerous environment.
A diverse line-up of speakers have been revealed ahead of the meeting, including Marian Harkin MEP, Ciara McGowan, Teagasc Education officer, Claire McCormack , journalist with the Farming Independent and Eimear McGuinness , manager of Donegal Livestock Mart.
The group was founded following the set up of similar groups around the country such as South-East Women in Farming and West Women in Farming.
“I saw these groups coming together, thought there was a niche for it here in Donegal and so NWWIF was born!” organiser Hannah McNelis from Glencolmcille told Donegal Woman.
Hannah explains the aims and future plans of the group: “Our group aims to bring together a like-minded community of women who are involved or interested in agriculture. This is anyone from agri-professionals working in the industry, to female farmers or farmers wives/daughters etc., everyone is welcome!
“We want to highlight the importance of the role of women in agriculture and how we can strengthen our voice in the industry.”
The group is hosting their first event on the 19th of May in the Villa Rose, Ballybofey at 7.30pm.
“Going forward we wish to focus on topics relevant to the farm family such as education and training, health and safety/mental health awareness, combating rural isolation and achieving rural development, looking at alternative streams of income to the home and how we can capitalize on tourism etc in the county and many more issues that are relevant to our group members,” said Hannah.
If you are interested in joining the group, follow this link to the North West Women in Farming Facebook page.