In Pictures: Donegal star weavers in global campaign to end violence

A group of women came together in Donegal Town to participate in a very special project that aims to highlight and bring an end to gender based violence. 

Donegal Women’s Network hosted a star weaving workshop on Thursday morning. While this is a year-round project, the seasonal symbolism of the star added an extra dimension to this very enjoyable workshop.

 The women heard that the project aims to create one billion stars globally. It has its origins in Queensland, Australia, and came about in the aftermath of the rape and murder of Jill Meagher. 

Artist Maryann Talia Pau was so moved by the response in the community that she felt compelled to do something to bring about change.

She was inspired by her Samoan mother’s tradition of star weaving, and set about creating a star weaving community. While she acknowledges that star weaving alone cannot end violence, it creates a safe space for conversations and encourages mindfulness and emotional wellbeing.

And the resulting visual displays of the stars contribute hugely to bringing the message to communities. 

One million stars woven by people from 15 countries were displayed in an installation at the 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games. The new goal is to create one billion stars globally by 2032.

Ireland has joined this campaign with a target of one million stars, which is approximately 32,000 per county. 

The Donegal star weavers were supported by DLDC, and have been making the beautiful, eight-pointed stars under the guidance of Julie Voss and Danielle Bonner. 

Danielle is Donegal Project Coordinator of Women's Collective Ireland - Donegal, and she is delighted with the response. She is hopeful that 1,000 stars will be made in Donegal Town, and that these will in turn start conversations and help work towards solutions to end gender based violence. 

Danielle is calling on the local business community to play a part. 

She said: “We would love to get 1,000 plus stars made locally in Donegal Town to make a window display in time for International Women's Day on March 8.

“It would be fantastic if any local business would help us by giving us window space for a display.”

Any business which can offer window space for this very worthy project can contact the Women’s Collective office in Donegal Town on 074 9722790 or 085 863 8419, or by emailing coordinator.donegal@womenscollective.ie

Those who took part in the Donegal Town workshop were reminded of the words of Martin Luther King Jnr: “Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.”