12/03/2026
Last week I had the privilege of attending the International Womenโs Day celebration at First Steps Women's Centre, Dungannon, where the Heritage Journeys project was officially launched.
Over the past number of months Iโve been working as the photographer for the project, capturing portraits of the remarkable women who have shared their stories. Alongside me, Cathal from Benburb Productions has been filming their interviews, helping bring their journeys to life through video.
The project highlights the experiences of women who have travelled from many parts of the world and now call Mid Ulster home. Their stories reflect journeys from countries including Syria, Ukraine, Kurdistan and Afghanistan, each bringing their own languages, traditions and perspectives that add richness to life in our community.
At the launch event, ten of the portraits were displayed as part of a special exhibition. Seeing the images together, alongside the women whose stories they represent, was incredibly powerful. Every portrait reflects strength, courage and the determination it takes to build a new life in a different place.
One of the women featured in the project, Domingas Gusmรฃo, recently met with Michelle OโNeill, First Minister of Northern Ireland, to share her experience of living in Mid Ulster. Her story, along with many others, can be viewed on the Heritage Journeys website.
It has been a real honour to photograph these women and to play a part in a project that celebrates the diverse stories, cultures and voices that are now part of the heritage of Mid Ulster. I'm looking forward to meeting lots of other women throughout the rest of the year and sharing their stories as well.
You can explore the project and watch the videos here on the Heritage Journeys website:-
https://heritagejourneysni.com/
If you are interested in taking part or know someone who you think might like to share their story, get in touch with Gillian or Ailis from Heritage Journeys via the website above.
