Here’s a bold statement: Craftsmanship doesn’t discriminate—it only asks for your passion. And yet, the stories of women preserving heritage through traditional skills often go unnoticed. But why? Let’s dive into the inspiring world of women like Lucy Cushley, a master saddler and harness maker from County Down, Northern Ireland, who’s proving that gender has no place in the world of craft.
Lucy’s journey began almost a decade ago with a simple request to create a sheepskin seat saver for a saddle. Today, she’s not only crafting horse gear but also a stunning array of leather goods—wallets, belts, aprons—all while using tools that have barely changed in millennia. And this is the part most people miss: Lucy finds deep pride in connecting with the earliest humans who mastered leatherwork. ‘If they’re looking down,’ she says, ‘they’d see I’m still doing this.’ It’s a humbling reminder of how tradition binds us across time.
But here’s where it gets controversial: While Lucy’s story is remarkable, it’s just one of many. Women across Northern Ireland are quietly leading heritage efforts—from restoration projects to community history initiatives. Yet, their contributions often fly under the radar. Enter the Women in Heritage pilot project, a collaboration between the Rural Community Network, NI Screen, Ulster University, and PRONI. This initiative aims to spotlight these unsung heroes, starting with a documentary on local historian Úna Walsh from south Armagh.
Here’s the kicker: Why aren’t these women celebrated more widely? Emma McAleer from the Rural Community Network points out that women are the backbone of rural heritage preservation, yet their volunteer-led work is undervalued. ‘Women are protecting social and cultural history,’ she says, ‘from oral archives to community involvement.’ But is society doing enough to recognize their role? Martina Byrne, chairperson of Clonduff Development Enterprise, adds that heritage in Northern Ireland is overlooked compared to the rest of the UK and Ireland. ‘When you focus on a village’s heritage, you bring it back to life,’ she says. But who’s at the table? Women, men, young, old, newcomers—everyone has a role in shaping the future.
Brónagh McAtasney, involved in the Women in Heritage documentary, highlights another gap: the lack of women’s voices in historical archives, especially in early filmmaking. ‘Women have been the keepers of stories,’ she says, ‘but they don’t see themselves as historians.’ By creating documentaries, the project aims to rectify this, capturing oral histories, crafts, and folklore. But here’s a thought-provoking question: Are we doing enough to ensure these stories aren’t lost?
Final food for thought: Heritage isn’t just about the past—it’s about shaping the future. Women are leading the charge, but their efforts deserve more than just recognition. They deserve a platform, a seat at the table, and our unwavering support. So, what’s your take? Are we doing enough to celebrate these women, or is there more work to be done? Let’s spark the conversation in the comments!
