A permanent women\u2019s museum could be developed in Ireland.<\/p>\n
The establishment of such a museum is among 31 recommendations made by a committee that was tasked with examining how to improve the representation of women\u2019s stories in Ireland\u2019s cultural institutions and national collections.<\/p>\n
The Advisory Committee on Women\u2019s Stories, which was established in March 2024, presented its report to Government this week.<\/p>\n
The committee said the development of a permanent, dedicated physical museum would \u201cgive visibility, legitimacy\tand\trecognition\tto\twomen\u2019s representation, experiences and voices, in all their diversity”.<\/p>\n
The group called for a detailed feasibility study to be undertaken \u201cto determine the most appropriate\tapproach, configuration\tand sustained funding model for the dedicated physical museum”.<\/p>\n
Other recommendations include enhanced funding in this area for national cultural institutions and the need to adopt policy that enables women to be better represented across the cultural sector, particularly those from marginalised groups.<\/p>\n
The committee said the level of interest in the Women\u2019s Museum\tof\tIreland, an online collection<\/a> launched in 2013, highlighted \u201cthe\tpublic\tappetite\tto\tlearn\tmore\tabout\twomen\u2019s\texperiences\tand\tcontribution”.<\/p>\n Other countries have developed similar initiatives, including the Vietnamese Women\u2019s Museum in Hanoi and the Glasgow Women\u2019s\tLibrary in Scotland.<\/p>\n Minister for Culture Patrick O\u2019Donovan<\/a> on Friday said he is \u201cdetermined to progress these recommendations, including the one establishing a permanent women\u2019s museum\u201d.<\/p>\n \u201cI know that women\u2019s voices, experiences and influence have not always been fairly represented across the cultural sector and that this has caused great hurt to many,\u201d Mr O\u2019Donovan said.<\/p>\n \u201cNow, more than ever, it is vitally important that we all do our level best to advance equality and create a more inclusive and socially-just society.\u201d<\/p>\n Dr Sandra Collins, chair of the committee, said she hoped the recommendations \u201cwill assist the Government in implementing positive changes that will enhance women\u2019s visibility, participation and influence across all aspects of the cultural sector and cultural life\u201d.<\/p>\n Dr Collins said the committee \u201cfocused on an inclusive and consultative approach to bring a rich diversity of experiences, personal expertise and knowledge to the process\u201d.<\/p>\n The group met several times in the last 18 months and compiled the views of relevant stakeholders.<\/p>\n The committee also recommended the building of supportive partnerships in the sector to advance \u201cthe representation of women and women\u2019s stories in all their diversity through the provision of funding and other essential supports\u201d.<\/p>\n The report said while some of the recommendations can be acted on quickly, others are \u201cambitious and complex, and will require significant planning, time, support and resources from the State to implement fully\u201d.<\/p>\n