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International Women's Day 2026 - learning from the lake

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International Women's Day 2026 - learning from the lake


Happy International Women's Day!

Yesterday, celebrating IWD by walking up Knockomagh Hill with the women of Her Circle was definitely the most meaningful International Women’s Day I’ve ever experienced.

As we climbed, between catching our breath and joking about sore knees, I heard so many inspiring stories and journeys. Every time I looked around, women were deep in conversation or sharing laughter.

Later, during our picnic — sheltered from the wind by the trees — we shared food, exchanged phone numbers, and made plans to continue the conversations.

At one viewpoint, we paused to look out over the beautiful Lough Hyne and reflected on its unique ecosystem. Each day, seawater rushes into the lake through the narrow channel known as “the Rapids.” With every high tide, the temperature and salinity shift. And yet Lough Hyne is bursting with life — home to more than 1,850 species, representing around 75% of the marine creatures found in Ireland.


Learning from the lake

If the lough is a metaphor for the rapid changes we are all experiencing, I imagine each of the women connected through Her Circle as part of our own resilient ecosystem. Different ages, different countries of origin, different paths — yet here together. Learning how to ground ourselves, find what nourishes us, and connect to a deeper sense of security within ourselves and with each other.

We finished our walk at the Holly Well at the foot of Knockomagh Hill — Tobar Rín na Súile, the Well of the Eye — splashing our eyes with the holy water for clear vision. It is a magical place that has been holding people’s prayers and wishes for generations; you can almost feel them in the air.

My wish is that, like the lough, we continue finding ways to stay resilient and full of life despite the daily shifts. And like the well, that we remember, clear vision is always within reach — we only need to pause, touch the water, and make a wish.

May every day be our International Women’s Day.

Photo credit - Anna Dodog

Photos Credits - Anna Dodog and Naomi Fein

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