Ógra Shinn Féin highlight Feminism in Omagh

Ógra Shinn Fein in west Tyrone concluded their ARISE (Anti, Racism, Imperialism, Sectarianism and Exploitation) campaign in Omagh town centre on Saturday. (30th June) The issue which brought the conclusion to the ARISE campaign was feminism and gender equality. Ógra activists held posters of famous Irish republican women such as Mairead Farrell, Maire Drumm and Countess Markievicz.

The protestors were joined by Omagh Tyrone Sinn Fein councillor, Marty McColgan. Well over 500 leaflets were handed out and were met with a good response by passers by and shoppers alike.

The protest fed into a national day of action by Ógra Shinn Fein which signalled an end to the ARISE campaign. The sight in Omagh was similar to various held nationwide. Similarly leaflet drops and public talks were also held.

Speaking at the conclusion of the ARISE campaign, Ógra Shinn Fein representative from Omagh, Tracey Pearson said,

“The issue of gender equality is a relevant issue today. Many would be of the option that it is a thing of the past. However, whilst in numerous western countries women are asserting their rights in many developing countries the women’s place is still firmly entrenched in the family home. This is wrong and unjust."

"However closer to home we can still see the oppression of women. We in Ógra Shinn Féin have trying to address this oppression. Throughout this campaign we have produced a short video looking at the role of women in the republican struggle, we have also held public talks and in doing so trying to change the stereotypical view of women being placed in the household environment. The Ireland that we want to see is one which ‘cherishes all the children of the nation equally’ which was set out in the proclamation. An Ireland of equals regardless of colour, creed, gender or religion."