A cross-border initiative involving 70 women from County Louth, Newry & Down and surrounding areas has challenged gender stereotypes through community engagement sessions and non-traditional skills workshops.

Supported by the International Fund for Ireland’s Communities in Partnership Programme, and led by the Centre for Cross Border Studies, the Cross-Border: enACTing cooperation

(CBenACT) project has resulted in the design and initial implementation of a cross-border collaboration between Creative Spark in Dundalk and WOMEN’STEC in Newry.

The aim of the 18-month project was to engage women participants from both sides of the border in discussions on their shared issues and interests and the workshops were delivered in the Fabrication Laboratory (FabLab) in Dundalk by Creative Spark technicians and in Lislea Community Centre by WOMENS’TEC tutors.

The project also successfully formed a strengthened partnership between Creative Spark and WOMEN’STEC where they explored the specific skills necessary to deliver cross-border projects of meaningful benefit for communities on both sides of the border. Both organisations look forward to future opportunities to continue with their partnership and develop long-term cross-border projects.

The project culminated in a showcase event held at the Four Seasons Hotel in Carlingford, where stakeholders from both sides of the border gathered to learn about the delivery of the initiative and the future prospects for Creative Spark and WOMEN’STEC as partners. The event aimed to encourage further cross-border cooperation, highlighting the importance of such collaborations.

A new online training program designed to support best practices in cross-border projects, and ensure the momentum generated by CBenACT continues to thrive in the future, garnered a lot of interest.

Helen Kerr, Head of Business Development at WOMEN’STEC’s, explained: “This project was a fantastic opportunity for WOMEN’STEC to enhance our capacity for developing cross-border partnerships. Our partnership with Creative Spark enabled us to bring a multitude of opportunities for women in rurally-isolated border areas. The participants developed relationships with people and organisations across the border and accessed skills and learning that are not available in their local area.

“This project has successfully laid the groundwork for meaningful, long-term cooperation that will continue to empower communities and provide opportunities for many people over the coming years. We have exciting project ideas that we are looking forward to developing in partnership with Creative Spark.”

Ciara Breen, Creative Spark Downtown Hub Manager, said: “This was a significant project for Creative Spark as we have been aware of WOMEN’STEC and their work for many years. The project allowed us to strengthen our partnership and pilot delivering programs as a cross-border partnership. We look forward to the future of this partnership.”

Anthony Soares, Director of the Centre for Cross Border Studies, added: “Through the CBenACT project the Centre for Cross Border Studies has been able to progress its core mission of supporting improved cross-border cooperation. We are delighted at the results, which include the exciting cross-border partnership between Creative Spark and WOMEN’STEC. We’re looking forward to the launch of a unique online training programme that will help other organisations to engage in sustainable cross-border cooperation for the benefit of communities on both sides of the border.”