Women Together was founded in the Autumn of 1970 by Ruth Agnew and Monica Patterson, when violence from The Troubles was at it’s height. Ruth, a Protestant, fervently believed that women should unite and use their influence to promote peace and reconciliation within Northern Ireland. She and Monica, an English Catholic, living in Belfast, held a public meeting and Women Together was born.
From the beginning, it worked to end sectarian violence, support the victims of violence, give women a “voice” and create a pluralistic society based on mutual understanding and respect.
This quilt focuses on reconciliation and predates the 1998 Good Friday Agreement. It was completed by women and womens’ organisations all over Ireland and includes a panel from Australia. It reflects these womens’ tentative steps of moving towards reconciliation amidst the conflict and creating a better, more peaceful present and future in Northern Ireland.
Handwritten testimony from Pat Campbell is available here and in the 'textile detail' section below. |