Women in Rathcoole get empowered
By Laura Lyne
A NEW local forum for women to make new friends in the Rathcoole area and discuss concerns and interests has been created by a staff member of the Rathcoole Community Centre.
The Women Empowerment Support Group was created by Ade Omitunde to promote the well-being of women in Rathcoole and its surrounding areas and meets every second Thursday at 7pm.
Ade has been working within the Rathcoole community for the past eight years and found that there was no local support group for women in the area.
She decided to create the group, which is an open-minded and non-judgmental place for local women from the community to be a part of honest discussions.
The group has held two meetings in the centre so far, and has received a positive turnout from women in the area, with Ade hoping to grow the group in the coming months and link with other local women’s groups throughout Tallaght and South Dublin.
Ade told The Echo: “I created the Women Empowerment Support Group because I thought it was badly needed in the area, I could not find a similar support group in the area.
“Out first meeting had 11 women turn out, with several new faces at the second meeting. It’s an opportunity to meet new people and talk about topics such as well-being, health, family, parenting and to discuss concerns such as home and personal security and how we can improve our community.
“I had never been involved in a group like this before, but I did a course in rural community development and I wanted to teach things that are needed in the community.
“There’s no membership involved, everyone is welcome to just turn up and get involved in the group meetings.
“I hope now to see it grow and keep going, and to partner with other women’s groups in the near future.”
Those interested in attending the next Women Empowerment Support Group meeting are asked to contact Ade at the Rathcoole Community Centre on 4586134.
