WOMEN’STEC were delighted to have been involved in a cross-border initiative involving 70 women from County Louth, Newry & Down, and surrounding regions. The project has successfully tackled gender stereotypes through a series of community engagement activities and workshops focused on non-traditional skills.
Funded by the International Fund for Ireland’s Communities in Partnership Programme and coordinated by the Centre for Cross Border Studies, the Cross-Border: enACTing cooperation (CBenACT) project has facilitated a new collaboration between Creative Spark in Dundalk and WOMEN’STEC in Newry.
This 18-month initiative aimed to bring women from both sides of the border together to discuss common challenges and interests. Workshops were held in Creative Spark’s FabLab in Dundalk, led by its skilled technicians, as well as in the Lislea Community Centre, facilitated by tutors from WOMEN’STEC.
One of the key outcomes of the project was the establishment of a strong partnership between Creative Spark and WOMEN’STEC, who worked closely to identify the necessary skills to deliver impactful cross-border initiatives. Both organisations are eager to expand their collaboration and explore new long-term cross-border projects.
The project culminated in a showcase event at the Four Seasons Hotel in Carlingford, where stakeholders from both communities gathered to celebrate the project’s achievements and discuss the potential for future partnerships. The event emphasised the importance of ongoing cross-border collaboration, inspiring participants to continue fostering cooperation across the border.
Additionally, the project introduced an innovative online training program, aimed at promoting best practices in cross-border initiatives and ensuring the sustained success of the CBenACT project. The program has generated significant interest and will serve as a resource for other organisations looking to undertake similar cross-border efforts.
Helen Kerr, Head of Business Development at WOMEN’STEC, commented: “This project has provided WOMEN’STEC with an excellent opportunity to strengthen our capacity for cross-border collaboration. Our work with Creative Spark opened up numerous possibilities for women in remote border communities, allowing them to forge relationships and gain skills that would otherwise be out of reach.”
She added, “The groundwork laid by this project will lead to lasting, impactful cooperation, bringing more opportunities to empower women and communities on both sides of the border. We have exciting plans to continue building on this partnership with Creative Spark.”
Ciara Breen, Creative Spark Downtown Hub Manager, remarked: “This initiative has been a major milestone for Creative Spark. We’ve long admired the work of WOMEN’STEC, and this project gave us the chance to solidify our relationship and pilot joint cross-border programs. We’re excited about the future of this partnership.”
Anthony Soares, Director of the Centre for Cross Border Studies, also praised the collaboration, saying: “The CBenACT project has allowed us to advance our mission of enhancing cross-border cooperation. We’re thrilled with the results, especially the new partnership between Creative Spark and WOMEN’STEC. We look forward to launching a unique online training program that will help other organisations establish sustainable cross-border collaborations to benefit communities across the region.”
To celebrate the successful conclusion of our collaboration, three special celebration events were hosted for all participants. These gatherings took place in Lislea Community Centre, Creative Spark in Dundalk, and at WOMEN’STEC’s headquarters in North Belfast. Each event offered participants the opportunity to showcase the DIY skills they’ve acquired in joinery, demonstrating their newfound confidence and expertise. The celebrations also provided a chance for everyone to reflect on the journey they’ve taken throughout the program, sharing experiences and stories of personal growth and achievement. It was a fitting tribute to the hard work and dedication of everyone involved.
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