Tralee Women's Resource Centre - TWRC Blog

Malala Yousafzai receives Tipperary Peace Prize

Mon, 26 Aug 2013 13:13:45 GMT

teenager shot in the head by the Taliban has been awarded a peace prize in
Tipperary for her courage and determination.
Pakistani student Malala Yousafzai became the latest recipient of the
Tipperary International Peace Award.

The 16-year-old education activist was attacked by Taliban gunmen last
October after she campaigned for girls to go to school without fear.

The Tipperary Peace Convention recognised Malala's courage, determination and
perseverance, along with the impact she has had on so many people across the
world.

Speaking to a crowd of over 200 people at the Ballykisteen Hotel
in Tipperary, Malala appealed to governments all over the world
to change their laws that discriminate against women and children.

She said she would like to return to the Swat Valley in her native country
and would continue her work to ensure that children and young girls all over the
world should be given proper education.

In a 20-minute address, Malala said she did not want to be remembered as the
young girl who was shot by the Taliban, but instead as the person who had fought
for rights of girls' education.

Peace Convention secretary Martin Quinn said he was delighted the teenager
had agreed to accept the award in person in Co Tipperary.

He said: "Malala now joins the illustrious list of past recipients of the
peace prize, which includes former prime minister of Pakistan, the late Benazir
Bhutto."

Minister for Trade and Development Joe Costello said: "I applaud her singular
bravery and I am delighted her efforts to champion human rights in the face of
intimidation and adversity have been honoured this evening."

Since the age of 11, Malala had been secretly writing a blog for the BBC,
which described the struggles faced by girls trying to receive an education
under the Taliban.

When her identity was uncovered, a Taliban militia boarded her school bus and
shot her at point blank range in the head.

Malala, from the town of Mingora in the Swat district of Pakistan, was hit
just above her left eye by a bullet that grazed the edge of her brain.

She was airlifted to Britain and treated at Birmingham's Queen Elizabeth
Hospital, where she had a titanium plate and cochlear implant fitted.

She was visited by Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari in hospital.

The teenager has remained in the UK where she returned to school in March and
continues to campaign for every child's right to education, including joining a
campaign led by Plan Ireland.

Mike Mansfield, of Plan Ireland, said Malala's story has struck a chord
across the world.

"This young campaigner has become an inspiration to millions," he said.

The Tipperary Peace Prize was established in the early 1980s for an
individual who has made a special contribution to the cause of peace.

Others short-listed in 2012 included US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton,
president of the Indian National Congress Sonia Gandhi, former Kenyan journalist
John Githongo and Pax Christi International, a non-profit Catholic peace
movement.

Previous recipients include former South African president Nelson Mandela,
former Soviet president Mikhail Gorbachev and ex-US president Bill Clinton.

Last year's recipients were former president of Ireland Professor Mary
McAleese and her husband Senator Martin McAleese.

Malala, who has been called the world's most influential teenager, is a
nominee for this year's Nobel Peace Prize.

Thank You for Comments

Fri, 24 May 2013 15:32:32 GMT

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Rape Crisis Centre Statistics released

Wed, 07 Nov 2012 15:33:20 GMT

The Rape Crisis Councilling Centre is a a place people can go for non judgemental and free councilling and advice to individuals affected by sexual abuse and violence.
Statistics were released today which say...

- 2,308 people availed of councilling at the Rape Crisis Councilling Centre in 2011
- 53% of females and 84% of males claimed violence occored in childhood only
- 65% of sexual violence takes place before the age of 12
- The average waiting time before disclosing childhood sexual abuse is 25 years
- There was a 12% increase in people taking up support and counselling since 2010.

Children's Referendum 2012

Fri, 26 Oct 2012 15:32:56 GMT

There is a Children's Referendum coming up on the 10th November 2012. This Referendum gives the public a chance to vote on a change in the wording of the constitution in relation to how children are seen in the law.
Here are some of the main topics being covered...
- Currently children in care born to married parents are not entitled to be adopted but if this new legislation comes in then the child will be afforded the right to be adopted if necessary
- Provision shall be made by law for the adoption of any child where the parents have failed for such a period of time as may be perscribed by law in their duty towards the child and where the best interests of the child so require
- The amendment will require state intervention in the family to be proportionate

One Parent Family Support Group

Thu, 25 Oct 2012 14:50:17 GMT

There is a one parent family support group running in the Tralee at the moment.
If you are a one parent family and would like support, advice or simply would enjoy speaking to other people in a simular situation to you then come along to this group.
For more information call into the CDP in Upper Rock Street, Tralee
Alternativly you can ring the CDP on 066 712 0877

The meetings are on Thursdays 5pm - 7pm

Childcare is provided for the children while parents have their meeting, but you will need to contact CDP in advance to secure your childs place

Suicide on the rise in Ireland

Tue, 09 Oct 2012 15:42:54 GMT

In recent years suicide has become more prevelant in Irish society. 2010 seen 486 people commit suicide, 386 were male and 100 were female*
2009 seen 527 lives lost to suicide.
With these numbers so high we have to ask, why are more and more people considering such drastic actions, Are there enough services out there and are the services available advertised enough?

Anyone have any thaughts or comments on this topic?

Samaritans: 1850 60 90 90
1Life: 1800 247 100
Aware: 1890 303 302

*(National office for suicide prevention)

Well done Katie and all the Irish Athletes!

Mon, 13 Aug 2012 20:13:10 GMT

A huge congratulations to all the athletes who competed at the Olympics games in London over the last two weeks. In total, 5 medals were brought back to Ireland, 1 gold, 1 silver and 3 bronze. equaling the 1956 record number of medals won by Irish athletes. The highly coveted gold medal was won by the great Katie Taylor who has done so much for women's boxing, being one of the main people to bring this sport to the Olympics. Last year, the International Boxing Association (AIBA) suggested that female boxers should wear mini-skirts in the ring. Katie was vehemently against the idea, promising to pull out of her fights should she be forced to wear them. Katie has a rare courage and strength of character, standing up to male dominated associations is not easy. It will be interesting to see how Katie's win will influence young Irish people. In 5 years time will there be as many women boxers as men in this country? Will we see young people turn to sports as a creative outlet rather than alcohol or drugs? Will we see the confidence and determination as shown by Katie become second nature to our young men and women? Well one thing is for sure, Katie is an inspiration. She has shown us what talent, discipline, self belief and a dream can do!

Tell us what you really think!

Wed, 04 Jul 2012 19:09:12 GMT

Hi all, here at the TWRC we are always keen to improve our service to you the great women of Kerry! We are living in an ever changing world and we are presented with new challenges daily! It is of utmost importance to us that we keep up with these changes and meet these challenges head on and find new and effective ways of overcoming them! This is why we are inviting you our service users to drop in and fill out our questionnaire (which can be done anonymously, just place it in our suggestions box) or if you wish send us an email! We would be delighted to hear from you! And don't worry constructive criticism is very welcome! We really want to know what we can do to make your visit to us as enjoyable as possible! We look forward to hearing your opinions!

June 21st, 2012

Thu, 21 Jun 2012 09:26:57 GMT

Aung San Suu Kyi visits Dublin