Issues particular to women have become more centre stage in Leitrim in recent years. The Equality for Women Measure and Peace & Reconciliation Programme has supported several initiatives focussed on women in Leitrim. Among these are/were:
§ The North Leitrim Women’s Centre
§ The Women’s Development Sub-Committee of County Leitrim Partnership
§ Leitrim Women’s Development Committee (project concluded September 2004)
The North Leitrim Women's Centre addresses the needs of all women over the age of 18 years of age in the North Leitrim, West Cavan and surrounding cross border areas. Particular target groups within these areas include: women who wish to access training or education in order to return to work, enter the workforce or up-skill within the workforce, women who are or have been victims of domestic violence and women who require support and/or information in order to maximise their opportunities and quality of life within their own communities. Support is also given to people parenting alone within this catchment area.
Many women visit the centre for a variety of reasons e.g informal support, finding out about events or activities that may be coming up or to attend a course that is being delivered from the centre.
The Women’s Development Sub-committee of County Leitrim Partnership
§ Co-ordinates women’s activities in County Leitrim.
§ Provides support and information for Women’s Groups and Rural Women in general.
§ Engages in awareness-raising on the issue of violence against women through the organisation DAWN.
§ Implementing an initiative on health and training needs for Traveller women in South Leitrim.
§ Funding an outreach programme for North Leitrim Women’s Centre.
§ Organises seminars on topics of interest to women.
§ Supports farm women through training and information programmes.