29 Charlesland Crescent
Greystones
Wicklow
Co. Wicklow
A63 C1W8
Ireland
- Arts
- Democracy and community development
- Gender
- Heritage
- Human rights
- International/Cultural relations
- Research
- Youth and education
Herstory is a multi-disciplinary education platform and cultural movement that tells the stories of women - past, present and future.
OUR DISCOVERY
In contrast to the handful of women taught on the Irish school curriculum, Herstory discovered that there are over one thousand inspirational female role models featured in the Dictionary of Irish Biography.
THE PROBLEM
History censored women’s stories in the past.
Today, popular culture dictates the stories deemed 'worthy' of our attention, diluting women's representation and leaving countless role models in the shadows. The amnesia of women’s stories is not just an Irish problem - this is a global phenomenon.
The achievements and struggles of women have been lost in the shadows, resulting in global inequality and a regression of women’s rights. The lack of authentic role models for today’s young girls affects their confidence, self-worth, life decisions, and ability to reach their potential.
WITH YOUR SUPPORT
WE CAN REWRITE HISTORY
AND THE FUTURE.
MISSION
Founded in 2016, our mission is to give youth and the public authentic female role models and a game-changing education programme, inspiring countries around the world to start their own Herstory movements.
OBJECTIVES
Change the way women’s stories are told forever by deconstructing female stereotypes and presenting their complete, multi-faceted characters.
Create a democracy of storytelling; valuing all women equally by showcasing national heroines beside unknown, overlooked women.
Bridge the disconnection between the extensive academic knowledge of women’s stories and the dilution of women’s representation in mainstream media and culture.
Spark a global movement where Ireland inspires the world to celebrate and empower women and girls, as we strive for equality for everyone.
Develop an innovative storytelling platform and education programme with core projects that
can be adapted worldwide.
Since 2017, the annual International Herstory Light Festival has made national news headlines illuminating landmarks in honour of women and girls. In 2018, Herstory initiated and co-produced the Blazing a Trail exhibition with EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum and the Department of Foreign Affairs – it’s the first women’s exhibition to tour the Irish Embassy network worldwide. In 2019 we co-produced Herstory on RTÉ, Ireland’s first 360° comprehensive women’s storytelling, featuring a major documentary TV series, animation series, podcasts, school workshops and more. See www.rte.ie/herstory. In 2020 we teamed up with Our Table to launch Melting Pot gatherings in support of the campaign to end Direct Provision (Ireland’s notorious refugee system) and celebrate our new multi-cultural Ireland.
Herstory events have taken place at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, Council of Europe, University of Oxford, Dublin Castle, Belfast City Hall and more. Within 4 years, Herstory has become a household name in Ireland.
Herstory welcomes the opportunity for collaboration and cross-polination with sister organisations in the ALF Network, through the highlighting of women's stories, co-creation projects, and other opportunities.
Herstory is hugely inspired by the incredible work of the Anna Lindh Foundation across the 43 member countries. Cross-cultural projects have never been more important, especially in these globally turbulent times we live in. We know that when we empower women, society greatly benefits on the whole.