International Women’s Day: The Voices and Struggles of Traveller Women

6 Mar 2025

Margaret Casey is dedicated to empowering the Travelling Community and advocating for long-term housing solutions and equality. In conjunction with the Adult Continuing Education team Mags also supports Traveller participants in studying the Diploma in Youth and Community Work in Adult Continuing Education UCC, increasing the vitally important representation of the Traveller community in third level education in Ireland.

As part of the Tipperary Rural Traveller Project, Margaret Casey shared powerful insights into the ongoing struggles faced by this community, and the work being done to foster understanding and change. Her message is not only a reflection on the challenges of gender equality, but also a call to celebrate the rich cultural heritage of the Traveller community and to push for a deeper understanding of the intersectionality of gender and ethnicity.

A Historical Context for Change

International Women’s Day has a rich history that dates back more than a century.

Sharing the origins of the movement, Margaret notes the progress being made in 2025: "The day has occurred for well over a century. It started with a protest by female factory workers in New York City on March 8th 1857 on unjust working conditions and lack of equal rights for women. The first gathering on the event took place in 1911 supported by over a million people in central Europe. . Today the Day belongs to all groups collectively everywhere across the world. This year the aim of the campaign is to #AccelerateAction on gender parity or equality. At the current rate of progress, researchers estimate it will take until 2158 for women globally to reach gender parity (according to the World Economic Forum). This is roughly five generations from now!"

This stark statistic is a call to accelerate action for equality, and for women like Margaret and those in the Traveller community, it’s a reminder that gender inequality is experienced in deeply challenging ways.

The Struggles of Traveller Women

Margaret also shares insights into the specific struggles faced by Traveller women in Ireland, she notes that daily life often includes struggles that many of us find difficult to imagine. Basic amenities like running water and electricity are scarce for many, and overcrowded living conditions contribute to health issues, including mental health challenges. Some women in the community experience living off generators for weeks, months, or even years, which is unimaginable for many people outside of this community.

"Traveller women face daily struggles that include the lack of basic facilities such as running water and electricity... Sites that Traveller women live in are often overcrowded with inadequate accommodation standards, which in turn leads to health problems, including mental health issues. These difficulties along with problems accessing health and education result in a shortening of Traveller women’s lives by up to 11 years on average (AIHS 2010)."

Despite these daily challenges, Traveller women continue to demonstrate remarkable resilience. Margaret’s call to action is a plea for solidarity.

"I urge the non- Traveller women in this room to open your hearts and minds to the barriers and struggles Traveller women face every day."

She asks non-Traveller women to recognise the barriers that Traveller women face and to join in the fight for equality. As Rosaleen McDonagh, a Traveller activist, once said, “While settled women talk of a glass ceiling, Traveller women are still outside, looking in through the window.” Margaret asks us all to stand together, acknowledging these inequalities and working towards a brighter future for future generations.

Honouring Cultural Heritage

While the struggle for equality is ongoing, it’s essential that we also take the time to celebrate the beauty and resilience of Traveller culture. Margaret speaks of the rich traditions passed down through generations.

"We have our own value system, our own language, along with our customs and traditions. Historically we played an important role in bringing songs and stories from parish to parish"

These traditions have not only shaped the identity of the Traveller community, but they have also contributed to the cultural fabric of Ireland as a whole.

As part of her work with the Clare Traveller Community Development Project, Margaret and her team strive to raise awareness and celebrate this heritage. Their work is about creating spaces where Traveller culture is honoured, and where everyone can come together to build solidarity and mutual respect. She encourages us all to engage with these events and to support initiatives that celebrate the Traveller community’s unique contributions to Irish society.

"We would love to see you all at our many events of celebration where we can build solidarity and understanding which will lead to real grassroots change"

Understanding Intersectionality

One of the most powerful aspects of Margaret’s message is her discussion of intersectionality. For Traveller women, gender and ethnicity combine to create a unique form of discrimination. This double burden, sexism and racism, shapes their daily lives and their access to opportunities.

"We experience sexism from within the community and, also, racism and sexism externally. So we have a double challenge – two intersecting or overlapping identities – gender and ethnicity – then shapes our oppression or disadvantage. There can be other overlapping forms of discrimination or bias that cause even more disadvantage and challenge. The complexity of these overlapping social identities and how they relate to systems of oppression, discrimination and domination need to be understood for real and full social justice. Intersectionality can teach us to see where power comes and collides, where it interlocks and intersects. It’s not simply that there’s a race problem here, a gender problem here, and a class or ethnic problem there. This way of framing can make people invisible. We need to use the more complex and sensitive lens of intersectionality to do justice to these experiences. The beauty of this approach is it’s ability to reach everyone, as the woman that invented the concept, Kimberlé Crenshaw, says “A truly intersectional feminism can reach everyone on the planet”."

The concept of intersectionality, helps us understand the complex ways in which multiple forms of oppression overlap and intersect. By embracing this approach, we can move toward a more inclusive feminism that acknowledges the lived experiences of all women.

Join the Conversation

Margaret’s message is a call to action, one that we can all take part in. By understanding the struggles faced by Traveller women and supporting initiatives that promote cultural awareness, we can work toward creating a society where equality isn’t just an aspiration but a reality for all women, regardless of their background.

As we celebrate International Women’s Day this year, let’s not forget that the fight for gender equality is ongoing, and that it requires us to listen, learn, and take action. The work of organisations like the Clare Traveller Community Development Project plays a crucial role in raising awareness and driving change. We invite you to engage with this important work and stand in solidarity with all women, especially those who face multiple forms of oppression.

In the words of Audre Lorde, “We should never consider ourselves free if any woman is unfree, even if her shackles are different from our own.” Let’s continue to support each other, amplify each other’s voices, and push for a world where every woman is truly free.

Continue Your Learning Journey

If Margaret's story has inspired you, ACE at UCC offers a range of part-time courses designed to empower individuals and communities through education. Explore some of our programmes that support equality, leadership, and advocacy:

• Equality, Diversity & Inclusion: Learn more

• Advocacy & Community Development: Learn more

• Leadership in the Community: Learn more

• Youth & Community Work: Learn more

If you ready to take the next step in your education or career, join us at University College Cork (UCC) on Thursday, 3 April, for an engaging and interactive Spring Forward: Adult Learning & Career Growth Workshop. Whether you’re looking to upskill, explore new learning opportunities, or advance your career, this workshop is designed to help you plan your next steps with confidence.

• Date: Thursday, 3 April 2025

• Time: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM

• Location: Western Gateway Building, UCC

How to Register

Spaces are limited, and registration is required to attend. Secure your place by signing up here: Register Now.

Join us in shaping a future where lifelong learning is accessible to all.

#IWD2025 #WomenOfACE #BreakingBarriers #LifelongLearning