Fingal She Leads Women’s Leadership Photo Exhibition Showcases Community Action

Fingal She Leads, an initiative of Fingal County Council, as part of International Women's Day (IWD) 2023 is celebrating women's leadership in a visual way, through a photography exhibition. The Exhibition, which involves 45 photos and stories showcasing the leadership of Fingal Women in Community Action, was launched by Mayor of Fingal Cllr Howard Mahony as part of International Women’s Day and is currently on display in County Hall Swords until Friday 31st March.

Women play an important role in community action through grassroots movements, organising community events, leading neighbourhood groups and raising awareness about specific issues or advocating for change.  Research has shown that when women are involved in leadership, they bring a unique perspective and approach to problem-solving, which can lead to more effective solutions. As leaders in community action, women use their skills and expertise through serving on boards of non profits, mentoring and supporting community based initiatives.  

Through our Eyes, the Power of Women’s Leadership in Community Action, is an initiative of Fingal County Council’s She Leads We Lead Women’s Leaders programme. It recognises and celebrates the leadership of women in a visual way and serves to inspire others to take an active role in their own communities. The Exhibition involves 45 photos and stories showcasing the leadership of Fingal Women in Community Action. All women involved are volunteers in their local communities from the disability sector, community arts and culture, sporting group, residents and tidy town groups, youth representation, and wider community supports.

Fingal She Leads, We Lead focuses on strengthening Women’s Leadership in Fingal and particularly explores the achievements, challenges and opportunities that women experience in community action. The programme commenced in March 2021 with A Conversation on Women’s Leadership in the Community and continues to provide leadership training, information talks and opportunities to network.

Mayor of Fingal Cllr. Howard Mahony opened the exhibition and said “I would like to acknowledge all 45 women from across Fingal who are featured in this exhibition. Their stories are showcasing the leadership of women and will inspire others to get involved.”

Chief Executive AnnMarie Farrelly encouraged everyone to view the exhibition and speaking on International Women’s day said “I would like to take a moment to acknowledge all the women of Fingal for the immense contribution they make to our County. Whether it be as friend, carer, professional, mother, campaigner or in any other sphere, the women I meet in my role as Chief Executive of Fingal County Council continue to amaze me.”

The project was led by the Community Development Office and the She Leads Advisory Committee.  All photos were taken by a volunteer photographer, Monica Manzzi, a member of the advisory committee.  The exhibition is currently on public display in Fingal County Council, County Hall up to Friday 31st March. The exhibition will then be displayed in local Fingal Libraries from April to May 2023. It can also be viewed online at on the Fingal Website

For further information, contact [email protected]