Women are key to the fabric of our society and the day to day working of our world – yet face inequalities

Women are key to the fabric of our society and the day to day working of our world – yet face inequalities

5 January 2022

AN artist’s work to promote female equality and diversity across race, religion, sexual orientations is on display at Castlewellan Library until the end of the month.

Lise says female equality is a “vitally important, core message to be promoting and supporting across our community” at a time when there has been an “incredible increase in social depravity, hate crime and domestic violence” during the pandemic.

She says her art collection and programme “aims to support and promote female equality and diversity across race, religion, sexual orientations”. 

“By stripping away their differences, I have instead focused on the complex emotions that are felt by all females. This body of work celebrates the humanism and psychological dexterity of us all, both individually and as a gender sector.

“Working as an individual to support equality for both males and females is wonderful. 

“But, by working together to achieve it as a society. Then we are invincible and real change can happen.”

She added: “This is especially relevant during these unprecedented, pandemic times. Where the glass ceiling still remains almost permanently unbroken.

“More importantly, domestic abuse has increased horrendously, behind shut doors during the 18 months of lockdown.”

Newry, Mourne and Down Council chairwoman Cathy Mason is supporting the event.

She said: “Women are key to the fabric of our society and the day to day working of our world. Yet, we still see women disproportionately under-represented in areas such as education; employment and leadership. No doubt women are also disproportionately affected by austerity including the cuts to Universal Credit and cuts to public sector jobs.

“It is sad that still today, women continue to face long standing structural inequalities that push more women out of employment and into a state of economic deadlock.”

Taking a male view point on the subject, Cllr Glyn Hanna said: “I have been involved in politics for years and also have a business. I have seen on many occasions that there remain equality issues for women in work places. 

“I have three daughters who all have professional jobs. I have been told by them of their experiences of sexual discrimination and inequality and their feelings that they have to work harder to get respect doing a job. More work does need done to address this problem urgently.”

Agreeing with both councillors, Lise said: “What the councillors are saying is so true. So passionate am I to keep female equality high on the public agenda, it’s the focus of the creation and touring of this exhibition. It is at the core of my ‘I Am Woman’ Arts and Cultural Programme.” 

She added: “I am focused on promoting all forms of equality and diversity in Northern Ireland.” 

The I Am Woman programme was first launched at Parliament Buildings, Stormont, in September and was attended by MLAs and VIPs.

But Lise’s work is not just focused at reaching the ear of politicians. 

She said: “My personal agenda is more about reaching out and spreading the necessity for equality, in all formats. In all walks of our society, from both a ground level up and top down.  

“I feel that we all have a moral responsibility, when it comes to supporting and promoting female, and other, equality here in Northern Ireland. For if we don’t work together, then nothing changes.

“My programmes are embracing, not preaching. They aim to break down the differences we have as a society by promoting better knowledge, tolerance and understanding.”

“The laws that govern us all, especially those written in relation to females, do definitely need to change for equality to happen.”

She continued: “We, as a society, also have to encourage change from the ground level up. Educating our young people and changing adult preconceived perceptions are also so important. 

“Boys and girls, men and women. We are all individuals who should be treated fairly and equally. By law, and by society in general.

“It is therefore important to engage and stand up for change now. Otherwise, females will continue to be treated as second class citizens in Northern Ireland, for generations to come.

“Both males and females have so much to give our society. In order for a fairer, more democratic society to exist. Females should always be treated equally at all levels.”

Lise added: “After all, it is women who make up the majority of the adult population in this country.”

This is Lise’s third project to be showcased at Parliament Buildings.

Any school or business interested in hosted Lise’s exhibitions and/or workshops should email LiseMcGreevyPhotographic@gmail.com.