Linda Hanlon, a retired psychotherapist turned photographer, has unveiled her debut project ‘Empower Her’, which features a forward written by former President of Ireland Mary McAleese and also contains a collection of photography portraits showcasing the diverse experience of 54 extraordinary women., including the likes of Commissioner Mairead Mc Guiness MEP, Frances Fitzgerald MEP, Former Tánaiste, Minister, TD and Senator; Professor Lydia Lynch, Immunologist, Harvard University and Ann Doherty, CEO, Cork City Council.
Wicklow women Jane Clarke, Petra O’Flaherty and Marie Culliton all feature prominently.
Poet Jane Clarke grew up on a farm in Roscommon and studied and worked in Dublin for 13 years. She only began to write after moving to Glenmalure almost 30 years ago. Her highly acclaimed poetry reflects on how we are shaped by people, place and landscape and how our past informs our present.
Petra O’Flaherty of O’Flaherty Stone is an eight-generation stone mason from Ballyknockan in west Wicklow, which has a long-tradition of stone masonry and is know as the Granite Village. Petra is the first registered female stonemason apprentice in Ireland for over 30 years.
Wicklow’s Marie Culliton is a Medical Scientist and President, International Federation of Biomedical Laboratory Scientists. Marie has been a member of the Council of the Academy of Clinical Science and Laboratory Medicine (ACSLM) since 1985 and has served two terms as President. Marie also serves as the President of the European Association for Professions in Biomedical Science (EPBS) since 2004. In this role, she has undertaken a survey of education standards in Europe culminating in an agreed EPBS policy.
Speaking about her inspiration for the project, Hanlon remarked, “As a psychotherapist, I’ve always been fascinated by the concept of personal empowerment. In Ireland, where the echoes of historical oppression still resonate, female empowerment takes on an even greater significance. Through this project, I wanted to shed light on the untold stories of women who have overcome challenges and emerged as figures of empowerment and to inspire the present and future generations of Irish women for decades to come.”
She also expressed her gratitude to all the women who participated in the project, stating: “Their willingness to share their stories and vulnerabilities has been both humbling and inspiring. “Empower Her” is a tribute to their courage, strength, and unwavering commitment to empowerment.”
The book features captivating portraits of these remarkable women, accompanied by insightful quotes reflecting on their journey and the advice they would offer to their younger selves.
