In pictures: Hope and Light Project brings message of solidarity to Donegal Town

Women’s Collective Ireland-Donegal is delighted to bring the Hope and Light Project to Donegal Town, raising awareness of gender-based violence and showing support for women across the county. Please click on the arrows to go through the gallery

Danielle Bonner WCI-Donegal Coordinator, Nicola Mulreany AIB Homes Advisor and Sabrina Brosnan AIB Donegal Hub Manager

Between October and November 2025, Women’s Collective Ireland-Donegal worked with different groups in Donegal. These included the Early Birds Pettigo Women’s Group, Donegal Town Crafting for Connection Group, Rossnakill Community Hub, AIB staff from Donegal Town, Killybegs, Ballyshannon and Ballybofey, members of An Garda Síochána Donegal, and the ATU Donegal Empower Her Society.

The project highlights the reality that one in three women experience gender-based violence. It aims to remind women that they are not alone, that support is available, and that communities have a role to play in challenging violence and creating a safer future for women and girls.

Each group created handcrafted clay sunflowers under the motto: “Be like a sunflower, so that even on the darkest days you stand tall and find the sunlight.”

The sunflowers were first displayed at the 2025 Donegal Rape Crisis Centre Art Exhibition in Letterkenny. The exhibition theme was “Hope - Where the Light Enters. Together we rise, together we heal” and took place as part of the 16 Days of Activism, creating a supportive space for survivors and promoting community solidarity.

The collection, made up of over 40 unique handmade clay sunflowers, is now on display at the AIB branch in Donegal Town over the Christmas period until the New Year. Each sunflower represents hope, light and solidarity, and carries messages of encouragement for women who have experienced gender-based violence. Members of the public are encouraged to visit the display while in Donegal Town. The AIB branch is open Monday to Friday, 10am to 4pm, and is closed on bank holidays.

Women’s Collective Ireland-Donegal would like to thank all the groups who gave their time to take part in this meaningful project. A special thank you goes to Sabrina Brosnan, AIB Donegal Hub Manager, and her staff for their support in bringing the project to Donegal Town.

Please know you are not alone, there are people you can talk to. If you or any one you know have been affected by domestic abuse you can find support with the following services; 

If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic abuse, please contact 999/112 or your local An Garda Síochána Donegal Station.

Donegal Domestic Violence Services - DDVS provides a 24hr helpline and emergency refuge accommodation as well as outreach support for women and children throughout the county of Donegal. Contact: 1800 262677 (24hr) Freephone

Donegal-Rape Crisis Centre offer one to one counselling, support and advice to those aged 12+ who have been affected by recent & historic sexual violence in a confidential, safe and friendly environment. Also provide support to family, friends and supporters. Contact: 1800 44 88 44 Freephone

Donegal Women's Centre offer a domestic abuse trauma counselling and psychotherapy service is delivered in their centre and outreach centres in community settings. Contact: 074 91 24985

Lifeline Inishowen provides a community response in Inishowen which offers a first step to support women and children who are experiencing Domestic Violence: physical, emotional, sexual and financial abuse. Contact: 074 93 73232 or 086 0650 353

Dublin Rape Crisis Centre (Rape Crisis Help Ireland): 24 Hour Helpline on 1800 778888

Women's Aid Ireland: Freephone Helpline on 1800 341 900 operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and provides support and information to callers experiencing abuse from intimate partners.