Remembering the Ordinary Women of World War 1
To ensure those women and their roles during the First World I are forever remembered and treasured as part of a living history
The Training for Women Network Ltd are delighted to have received £54,100 from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) for a significant project, entitled 'Remembering Ordinary Women of World War I' in Northern Ireland'.
TWN Chief Executive, Norma Shearer, explains the importance of the research: "The Great War is slipping inexorably beyond the fringes of living memory and as we move into the centenary years, there is a need to look at the role of everyday women and the role they played. Much has been documented on the roles of middle and upper class women but little or nothing about the working class."
Commenting on the award, Patricia Lewsley-Mooney, TWN Chairperson added: TWN is thrilled to have received the support of the Heritage Lottery Fund and we are confident the project will ensure that the lives and roles of women during the First World I are immortalised in history forever. Their work, and importantly their actions will never be forgotten."
Project partners
Newtownabbey Women's Group, Rathcoole
Homes United against Ruthless Terrorist, Lurgan/Portadown
Short Strand Community Forum, Belfast
Shankill Women's Centre, Belfast
Falls Women's Centre, Belfast
Resurgam Trust, Lisburn
Foyle Women's Information Network, Derry/Londonderry
Walkway Women's Group, Belfast
Project highlights
Research the lives of 96 women and examine their role in everyday life during the First World War
The research groups will gain an insight and new skills into heritage research including where to find information, resources available, whether online or in a building such as PRONI
The research will become part of a travelling exhibition
The findings will also be used to publish a book, culminating with a launch of both initiatives anticipated to be in 2017
Remembering the Ordinary Women of WW1 - launch of book and exhibition
Nigel Henderson from the History Hub Ulster presented on people from East Belfast who served in World War One
Women's group visited Clifton House
Derry group with tutor Gareth Porter