Sign in

NIRWN

@nirwn.bsky.social
689 followers 847 following 230 posts

Working towards an equitable society where rural women are visible, influential and valued #feminist #community #equality #rural #intersectional 🏳️‍⚧️🏳️‍🌈

PostsRepliesMedia
NIRWN @nirwn.bsky.social · 12/06/2025
#TeamNIRWN is at the Carers’ Health Fair this morning at Coleraine Scout Hall....come along if you're in the area and see what's on offer from ourselves and other services represented. All welcome
010
NIRWN @nirwn.bsky.social · 01/06/2025
#TullachÓg One thing you can say about our ancient high kings and chieftans is that they knew how to choose a spot with a view. Gorgeous evening walk looking to the Sperrins on the left & towards Slemish on the right A moment for the headline in the last photo-not much change 😉
View to the Sperrins at sunset from Tullagh Óg Fort inauguration seat of Clan O’NeillInside the hill fort of Tullach ÓgView towards Slemish from Tullach Óg FortAn information board (one of many in the trail to the fort) with the title ‘The Struggle for Supremacy’-as much as things change perhaps they stay the  same
061
NIRWN @nirwn.bsky.social · 23/05/2025
In Armagh today with Lord Paul Murphy who is leading an independent review of the Withdrawal Agreement & its effectiveness Sense checking with Civil Society & creating the mechanisms with which to so is critical if we are to thrive post EU Exit Thank you @ccbscrossborder.bsky.social for convening.
Glorious view of the Armagh Cathedral this morningCentre for Cross Border Studies Coaster marking their critical role maintaining conditions for N/S cooperation since GFA and it has arguably never been more vital
020
NIRWN @nirwn.bsky.social · 21/05/2025
#BlueSkyDays Sometimes the stars align so that your work day feels less ‘worky’ and you get to witness your pals showcasing their expertise at the ‘worky’ bit and then you ALSO get to have a lunchtime dander around the glorious walled garden with @alexadotm.bsky.social and Dr Ciara Fitzpatrick
051
NIRWN @nirwn.bsky.social · 20/05/2025
It’s my annual armchair #ChelseaFlowerShow expert era. ‘I think that deserved more than silver-gilt’ ‘It needs more diversity in the top-left border’ etc etc Gorgeous, relaxing escapism🌷🌺🌹 Getting warmed up for my armchair Wimbledon expertise in June 🎾 😜
150
NIRWN @nirwn.bsky.social · 20/05/2025
We are hiring!! Development Officer WBB Key duties: 🔎Identify & recruit rural women to participate in WBB 📝 Assist in developing plans for meeting the NIRWN targets 📱Organise training venues, logistics & transport as required to support delivery 👩‍💻Complete & upload all relevant data
WE ARE HIRING
JOIN OUR TEAM
RURAL DEVELOPMENT OFFICER
WOMEN BREAKING BARRIERS
APPLY NOW
For further details contact:
info@nirwn.org
NIRWN
Northern Ireland
Rural Women's Network
WOMEN BREAKING BARRIERS
CLOSING DATE FRIDAY 30H MAY
AT 1PM
Funded by
UK Government
036
NIRWN @nirwn.bsky.social · 20/05/2025
#TuesdayThoughts

TAKE UP SPACE

WITH YOUR JOY.

LAUGH LOUDLY.

SHINE WILDLY.

YOU WEREN'T MADE

TO DIM-YOU WERE

MADE TO DAZZLE.
-Dede Hawkins
000
NIRWN @nirwn.bsky.social · 19/05/2025
#MondayMood There is no one way, there is only your way ✨
SEVEN REMINDERS FOR THE WEEK.
Please remember, you are more amazing, than you will ever realise.
The ending is unwritten, you can change it any time.
Don't compare yourself to others. There is no one way.
There is only your way.
You are enough. And you have always been enough.
Every little thing about you is pure magic.
How you feel about yourself, is what matters the most.
Self-love isn't about doing everything perfectly; it's about showing up for yourself, even on the tough days.
@words_by_wilde_road
010
NIRWN @nirwn.bsky.social · 16/05/2025
I became a granny 11 weeks ago and I was looking at these wee toes the other day thinking ‘is there anything better than baby toes?’ Magical ✨
Baby toes in the sun
120
NIRWN @nirwn.bsky.social · 11/05/2025
#SundaySunshine If there’s anything better than baby snuggles and magical baby toes I don’t know what it is 👼 🦶
Baby toes and sunny garden
020
NIRWN @nirwn.bsky.social · 28/04/2025
NIRWN @UlsterUni for a @jrf_uk.bsky.social seminar on "Poverty & Disability: The Pathways to Work" where we discussed the anticipated impact in NI of the UK Government’s Pathways to Work Green Paper and explored operational and policy options and the impact of changes to Disability benefits.
Image Ulster University Image of seminar papers
130
NIRWN @nirwn.bsky.social · 22/04/2025
Top tier top hats 🎩 #EasterEdition
Marshmallows with chocolate and ‘topped’ with a mini egg instead of a smartie
020
NIRWN @nirwn.bsky.social · 17/04/2025
☀️ What a beautiful sunny day to be driving to the Mournes and Newcastle for a visit to one of our newer member groups. CEO Deborah Boden and staff made our Engagement Officer, Paula feel very welcome. Lots of exciting plans were made! #Visible #Influential #Valued
Paula and Deborah View of the Mournes from Newcastle Main St
020
NIRWN @nirwn.bsky.social · 09/04/2025
✨We are Recruiting✨ A brand new job working with the brilliant #TeamNIRWN. Could this be the opportunity you are looking for? #JobFairy #Rural #Women Feel free to share with friends/family/on your socials 🫶
WE ARE RECRUITING
ABC Co-Ordinator (Animate-Build-Connect)
NI Rural Women's Network is recruiting for an
ABC Co-Ordinator to co-ordinate our Access to
Resilience Project
Part time - 21 hours, 3 Years Fixed Term
Salary: £20,399 - 21 hrs (£34, 000 F/T) + 6% pension contribution
CLOSING DATE FOR RECEIPT OF APPLICATIONS:
WEDNESDAY 23 APRIL 2025 AT 1PM
To request an application pack please email Teresa at
info@nirwn.org.
NIRWN
Northern Ireland
Rural Women's Network
Dormant
Assets NI
Delivered by
THE NATIONAL LOTTERY COMMUNITY FUND
011
NIRWN @nirwn.bsky.social · 08/04/2025
Thank you to long time NIRWN pal Maciek Bator who delivered a 5 wk polish culture workshop in Armagh with rural women. We explored different aspects of Polish culture from finishing with Polish culture costumes and cookery. There was plenty of conversation & learning #PL20NI
011
NIRWN @nirwn.bsky.social · 07/04/2025
Women are being FAILED: Childcare Strategy ❌ Gender Equality Strategy❌ Anti Poverty Strategy❌ Disability Strategy❌ Women's Health Strategy❌ LGBTQIA + Strategy❌ All awaiting NI Executive action Many for YEARS. Many just needing sign off. It is not accidental it is deliberate & conscious failure.
Women have done more than enough.
We have taken the risks. We have gained the degrees. We have made the bold moves. All while caring for children, aging parents, our schools, churches, and community. The real question is: When will men, companies, and governments finally meet us where we are?
Until then, let's retire the narrative that women need to work harder, be more strategic, or accumulate more experience capital. Women are not the problem. The system is. And it's long past time for the real stakeholders to take responsibility.
- Blessing Oyeleye Adesiyan
Founder & CEO, The Care Gap Executive Director, Caring Africa
Care Gap
13216
NIRWN @nirwn.bsky.social · 02/04/2025
✨We Are Hiring✨ We are recruiting for a new, exciting role within our NIRWN Team to support us to increase the capacity of rural women's groups regionally. The ABC (Animate-Build- Connect) Co-Ordinator will co-ordinate our Access to Resilience Funded 3yr Project. #JobFairy Shares Welcome
NIRWN
ABC (Animate-Build-Connect) Fund Co-ordinator
NI Rural Women's Network (NIRWN) is recruiting for an ABC Fund Co-Ordinator to co-ordinate our Access to Resilience Fund Project.
We are seeking a person to join our staff team to support NIRWN to increase the capacity of rural women's groups regionally in NI.
You will have primary responsibility for the effective delivery, monitoring and evaluation of the rural ABC Project.
To apply please request an application pack via email info@nirwn.org or telephone 028 8675 8655.
Location: NIRWN Unit 5, 20 Sandholes Road, Cookstown BT90 9AR. (hybrid working possible in agreement with employer)
The post holder will be required to travel regularly across NI to fulfil this role
Hours: Part time - 21 hours. 3 Years Fixed Term
Salary: £20,399 - 21 hrs (£34, 000 F/T) + 6% pension contribution
Responsible to: Director
Closing date for applications:  23 April 2025 at 1pm.
Dormant Assets NI
Delivered by THE NATIONAL LOTTERY COMMUNITY FUND
046
NIRWN @nirwn.bsky.social · 02/04/2025
📣 Amplify your message 📣 FREE online communications training as part of our ‘Visible, Vocal, Valued’ Women’s Programme. Use the QR code to book your space. This is a great opportunity to pick up tips and vital skills on how to influence and articulate your views.
NOTHING ABOUT US WITHOUT US
Amplifying the voice of grassroots woren
Visible, Vocal, Valued Women's Programme
FREE Online Communications Training with Future Spark Coaching!
Provider: Maire McGrath, Future Spark Coaching
Course: Communications training, exploring all things media
- how to influence and articulate your views
Date & Time: Wednesday, 9th April | 10:00 AM - 12:00 Noon
Location: Online
Book your place by scanning the QR code below.
Please contact Rosie McCreanor if you have any difficulties:-rmccreanor@communityfoundationni.org
Or copy this link to book:
https://bit.ly/FutureSparkCommsTraining
Book here
FutureSpark
Coaching
ignite opportunity
The
Community Foundation
Northern Ireland
032
NIRWN @nirwn.bsky.social · 20/03/2025
🏆 Hummingbird Awards🏆 We are Belfast City Hall today as we have been nominated for the ‘Allyship’ award with Community Foundation NI and our fab Women’s sector colleagues Falls Women’s Centre & @reclaimtheagenda.bsky.social for our brilliant ‘Nothing About Us Without Us’ project. #Allyship
Belfast City Hall in the sunL-R
P McAliskey, NIRWN
S McCrory, Falls Women’s Centre
L Coyle, NIRWN
D Shackels CFNI-Lead
D Roberts, Reclaim the AgendaAwards ProgrammeList of awards and nominees
041
NIRWN @nirwn.bsky.social · 18/03/2025
#TimelineCleanse It’s been a tough news cycle today, if you need a little reprieve here is half a minute of gorgeous Donegal magic from yesterday 🌊 #SoundUp and #Breathe
1482
NIRWN @nirwn.bsky.social · 14/03/2025
🎉We have been shortlisted!🎉 Thank you to whoever nominated us for this award. We are looking forward to participating in the @MidUlster_DC Arts, Culture and Community Awards. Lovely news in the inbox. #EqualityDiversityInclusion #Visible #Influential #Valued
Mid Ulster District Council
ARTS, CULTURE & COMMUNITY AWARDS 2025
CONGRATULATIONS
You have been shortlisted as a finalist at the Mid Ulster
Arts, Culture & Community Awards 2025
You are invited to join us in The Burnavon Theatre, Cookstown on Tuesday 25 March at 7pm.
Dress smart casual.
Please RSVP
to chair@midulstercouncil.org
by 14 March 2025 with any special dietary requirements.
Comhairle Ceantair
Lár Uladh
Mid Ulster
District Council
050
NIRWN @nirwn.bsky.social · 14/03/2025
#FridayFeeling May your in tray be light and your tea/coffee/welcoming the bank holiday beverage be just how you like it ☘️ Grateful for the shift in energy; for good friends, for unexpected kindnesses and for solidarity & sisterhood ✨ To all of us who are doing our best.
Them: ‘what do you do for a living?’
Me: ‘my best, I do my best.’
132
NIRWN @nirwn.bsky.social · 13/03/2025
#ThursdayThoughts
"Still, what I want in my life is to be willing to be dazzled—
to cast aside the weight of facts
and maybe even to float a little above this difficult world."
- Mary Oliver
010
NIRWN @nirwn.bsky.social · 11/03/2025
#IWD25 Another of our member groups supported to host their own #IWD25 event. Knitted Knockers had a great social evening together, crafting and decorating glasses with glitter. Most of their time is usually spent creating for others. #Visible #Influential #Valued and sparkly✨
Knitted Knockers group collage of their craft evening
020
NIRWN @nirwn.bsky.social · 10/03/2025
#MondayMood May the sun keep shining on all your endeavours. Keep going, you have everything it takes to succeed.
Keep going despite your doubts.  Small steps will get you there
110
NIRWN @nirwn.bsky.social · 05/03/2025
Thank you to the Joint Secretaries of the British-Irish Intergovernmental Secretariat for always including rural women and inviting myself and Charmain to their annual Reception for St Patrick’s Day ☘️ A joy to catch up with fab pals and make new connections. #Visible #Influential #Valued
A pic collage of Louise & Charmain NIRWN with clockwise:
Atlas Women’s Centre pals; Siobhán Harding WSN, Karen, Women’s Aid Federation; Ellen Finlay.
Also a pic of shamrocks
010
NIRWN @nirwn.bsky.social · 05/03/2025
✨Connected✨ NIRWN brought two groups of unpaid carers together for an afternoon of Watercolour painting workshops & lunch. An opportunity to encourage peer support and new friendships. Some said they had never received any social support before. #Visible #Influential #Valued
Collage of photos including participants and their creations
010
NIRWN @nirwn.bsky.social · 28/02/2025
🚘 Beep Beep 🚘 Rural is on the road again today. This time we are off to Parliament Buildings, Stormont with our members who are making representation today at the Women’s Parliament Watch live from 1pm niassembly.tv/live-stream-1/ #Rural #Women #Visible #Influential #Valued
Photo of car full of fabulous rural women on a sunny morning.
030
NIRWN @nirwn.bsky.social · 21/02/2025
#FRIDAYfeeling May your in tray be light and your tea/coffee/beverage of choice be just how you like it. May you also know the magic I had yesterday meeting my beautiful granddaughter. No matter how much stress there is; life is really all about the magic of our special people✨🫶
Baby’s wearing a pink cardigan using her whole hand to grip a finger
130
NIRWN @nirwn.bsky.social · 19/02/2025
#WednesdayWisdom
Lessons in Trying To Save The World
If you name it hope instead of impossible.
If you hold it with tenderness.
If you call it the blessing of your ancestors.
If you look around and see the faces of everyone you love
trying to save the world with you.
Then this work becomes love.
And even mountains will move.
- Nikita Gill
011
NIRWN @nirwn.bsky.social · 14/02/2025
#FridayFeeling May your in tray be light and your tea/coffee/celebratory champagne be just how you like it 🍾🥂 Love exists in many forms, may you know that you are unique, precious and beloved today and every day.
Sending you love today
020
NIRWN @nirwn.bsky.social · 12/02/2025
#WednesdayWisdom
If you want to change the world 
Make tending to your own peace
A scared ritual
Create the space 
To heal and rest
Otherwise you become
Another squall inside the storm 


David Gates
000
NIRWN @nirwn.bsky.social · 11/02/2025
#TuesdayThoughts
We must never stop believing that beautiful things can happen even in times of chaos
000
NIRWN @nirwn.bsky.social · 04/02/2025
Representing #rural #women at UU today as SoS Hilary Benn MP marked the first anniversary of the restoration of the Stormont Executive. A welcome catch up with Fleur Anderson was a bonus and as always; a day we align schedules with our Women’s Sector Lobbyist @elainecrory.bsky.social is a good day.
L-R
Elaine Crory Women’s Sector Lobbyist WRDA ; Fleur Anderson MO, Louise Coyle Director NIRWNSoS Hilary Benn MP making his address on one year on from NI Executive reforming
073
NIRWN @nirwn.bsky.social · 03/02/2025
#MondayMood Looking forward to a day of dreaming big dreams and making effective plans with #TeamNIRWN today. Wishing you a lovely week of big dreams and big plans too.
Powered by coffee, dreams and Monday Motivation
020
NIRWN @nirwn.bsky.social · 29/01/2025
#WednesdayWisdom
Your best looks different every day but it is always good enough
020
NIRWN @nirwn.bsky.social · 28/01/2025
What a turnout after the storm! 24 women joined us at Limavady Hen Shed last night to participate in our Numeracy for Life session; part of our Women Breaking Barriers programming. Thank you for the warm welcome and well done to everyone! 🙂
Picture collage of the participants and some of the course materials
020
NIRWN @nirwn.bsky.social · 28/01/2025
#TuesdayThoughts Be more you ✨
YOU BECOME UNSTOPPABLE WHEN YOU WORK ON THINGS PEOPLE CAN'T TAKE AWAY FROM YOU. THINGS LIKE YOUR MINDSET, CHARACTER, PERSONALITY, TRANSPARENCY, YOUR ENTIRE BEING.
@SOY DE_COLORES.
050
NIRWN @nirwn.bsky.social · 23/01/2025
#ThursdayThoughts 🦉
Observe don’t absorb 
Picture of an owl
020
NIRWN @nirwn.bsky.social · 22/01/2025
#WednesdayWisdom
She was unstoppable.
Not because she
didn't have failures
or doubts.
But because she continued on
despite them.
092
NIRWN @nirwn.bsky.social · 20/01/2025
#MondayMood Your energy is special, place your energy where it is deserved ✨
THE SECRET OF CHANGE IS TO FOCUS ALL YOUR ENERGY NOT ON FIGHTING THE OLD BUT ON BUILDING THE NEW
032
NIRWN @nirwn.bsky.social · 14/01/2025
#TeamNIRWN representing rural women today in Dublin working with the Irish government’s on their 4th National Action Plan for Women, Peace & Security. #WomensSpaces #Visible #Influential #Valued #WPS
Charmain and Louise at Iveagh House 13.1.25Introduction to the NAP Validation processPapers associated the session
030
NIRWN @nirwn.bsky.social · 14/01/2025
#TuesdayThoughts
Remember that no one is born a change-maker.
It's something you
become when you see a problem, then dare to become part of the solution.
000
NIRWN @nirwn.bsky.social · 13/01/2025
#MondayMood
Every step forward counts. Even the little ones that no one else can see.
You're doing great.
011
NIRWN @nirwn.bsky.social · 07/01/2025
#JanuaryJumpstart How do we see our fresh ideas and intentions through beyond January? Join us online to explore how we can build on and stick with the habits and intentions we want to develop and maintain as we go forward into 2025. #MoveWithIntention
January Jumpstart
The New Year beckons a new start, new plans and new experiences! But how do you stick with and see through your fresh ideas beyond January?
Come & Join our online workshop with Maire McGrath from
FutureSpark Coaching who will unpack a wealth of practical techniques to help you build new habits and stay focused in 2025
Thursday 23rd
January 2025
7 - 8 pm
Register Now!
paula@nirwn.org
NIRWN
Northern Ireland Rural Women's Network
000
NIRWN @nirwn.bsky.social · 06/01/2025
#MondayMood Trust the journey and trust in yourself.
There is a seat waiting for you at tables you haven't even seen.
Doors are opening that you didn't even knock on. You belong in rooms you haven't even dreamed of yet.
The Universe is already aligning for your arrival. Trust the journey.
020
NIRWN @nirwn.bsky.social · 02/01/2025
Wishing you everything you would wish for yourself in 2025. If you find this time of year a little tricky, be extra gentle with yourself. #NewYear
On the day when
the weight deadens
on your shoulders
and you stumble,
may the clay dance
to balance you.

And when your eyes
freeze behind
the grey window
and the ghost of loss
gets into you,
may a flock of colours,
indigo, red, green
and azure blue,
come to awaken in you
a meadow of delight.

When the canvas frays
in the currach of thought
and a stain of ocean
blackens beneath you,
may there come across the waters
a path of yellow moonlight
to bring you safely home.

May the nourishment of the earth be yours,
may the clarity of light be yours,
may the fluency of the ocean be yours,
may the protection of the ancestors be yours.

And so may a slow
wind work these words
of love around you,
an invisible cloak
to mind your life.
020
NIRWN @nirwn.bsky.social · 31/12/2024
#NewYearsEve Wishing you everything you would wish for yourself in 2025, may you move forward knowing that the world needs you and your special energy ✨
Another year folds itself shut, creased with moments we thought might break us and those that stitched us whole.
we have lost we have found we have become.
And though the path abead is unlit, we carry the light within us, enough to guide us home
030
NIRWN @nirwn.bsky.social · 30/12/2024
If your social media feeds, like mine, are full of intensive marketing encouraging you to believe that how you are is inadequate please resist. We are all perfectly imperfect but we live in a culture that preys on and monetises our fears. ✨You are enough just as you are ✨
You don't need a new you. You are not an iPhone.
You don't need replacing every year. Don't throw yourself away every year like plastic trash.
Find the old you.
Improve. Evolve.
Do better. But head towards yourself, not away. Be gentle with your mind.
Words-Matt Haig
030
NIRWN @nirwn.bsky.social · 21/12/2024
#WinterSolstice The Solstice reminds us of the natural rhythm of rest and renewal. It is an opportunity to pause, plant seeds for the future, and find nourishment in the stillness of the Earth's cycles. Release what is heavy and realign with our purpose. #RestAndRenewal
winter solstice
What the ancients knew...
The solstice has been honored for centuries as a turning point—a sacred pause in the dark.
It’s a time to release what's heavy, honor the lessons of the night, and realign with what truly matters.
Ancient peoples lit fires, offerings, and welcomed the sun's return—not just to mark the light's rebirth, but their own.
Because they understood something powerful: the cycles of the earth are the cycles of your soul.
@teaandrosemary
092