Not Just Recovery? Reimagining: Rights and Resilience
#CWIConf2021 #CommunityWorkIrleand
CWI would like to thank Dr. Mike Ryan, Executive Director, Health Emergencies Programme, World Health Organisation, Joe O’Brien, TD, Minister for Rural and Community Development and Ronnie Fay, CWI Chairperson for their insightful and reflective contributions to the conference. CWI would also like to thank all workshop speakers, chairs and notetakers for their time, effort, and valuable contribution. Thank you to all participants who took the time to share their experiences and perspectives.
The Conference sought to provide an opportunity for reflection on the experience of the most disadvantaged communities in Ireland and globally during the past 18 months, the lessons learned, and the key priorities for action in building a just and sustainable recovery as we emerge from the Covid-19 crisis. The conference reinforced the view that strong investment and inclusive planning is required to ensure that access to health services is based on need rather than an ability to pay.
Thematic workshops focussed on;
1. Racism and Addressing the Rise of the Far-Right – Chaired by Anastasia Crickley with speakers Reuben Hambakachere, Cultúr Migrants Center and Niamh McDonald, Far-Right Observatory
2. Climate and a Just Transition – Chaired by Jamie Gorman with speakers Mary T. McBride, Inisheoin Development Company and Jerry MacEvilly, Friends of the Earth
3. Addressing Health Inequalities – Chaired by Ciara Shanahan with speakers Brigid Quirke, HSE and Ann Friel, Donegal Travellers Project
4. Human Rights and Equality – informing recovery and resilience – Chaired by Ann Irwin with speakers Liam Herrick, Irish Council for Civil Liberties and Seamus Taylor, Maynooth University
5. Women’s Rights – Chaired by Ciara Bradley with speakers Maria Joyce, National Traveller Women’s Forum and Jennifer McCarthy Flynn, National Women’s Council
6. Social Dialogue and Participation in Decision Making – Chaired by Marianne O’Shea with speakers Rachel Doyle, Community Work Ireland and Siobhán McLaughlin, Donegal Travellers Project
7. Building an All-Island Approach – Chaired by Nuala Kelly with speakers Martin O’Brien and Avila Kilmurray, The Social Change Initiative and Paul Kernan, Pobail Le Chéile CDP