Young women ensuring they have a seat at the Table

Hi everyone, my name is Eve Jones and I am a 21-year-old rural woman living in Co. Armagh. I am a youth member of NIRWN and a student at Ulster University studying Animation.

I first heard of Women’s Spaces through my mum. She encouraged me to take part as a young woman as I have always had an interest in feminism, community life and politics.

I attended the launch of the Women’s Spaces project and utilised my skills by recording the launch itself using my own equipment. This was a very valuable experience and helped set me on a path where I got to meet lots of women from across NI which I wouldn’t have had the chance to do.

I met two women from Armagh and Richhill who I clicked with instantly even though they are older than me and I attended the Agent Zo event in the Mac and more importantly the Seat at the Table event at Stormont.

It was my first time engaging with an MLA, I had voted since 18 years old but never really took an interest in who I was voting for and why, my parents made me vote especially mum as she reminded me of the Suffragettes. It was my first time in Stormont and to speak to MLAs was quite daunting but I am glad I did attend to speak about what is important to me as a young rural woman.

I spoke about uni fees, rent costs for students, cost of living for students and employment opportunities and I really felt like my voice was heard. I also got to meet women from other cities and towns and some women from Refugee communities which was a first for me. I also enjoyed the tour of the building. It has made me more conscious that my vote does count but more important, why I vote and who I vote for and what they say they will do for me as a young woman

Thanks for the opportunity, I really appreciated it.