Longford woman raises awareness of domestic, sexual and gender-based violence

Longford-based artist and human rights activist, Sadia Athar, was part of a delegation from the One Million Stars Ireland Project who accompanied the One Million Stars ‘LOVE’ exhibition on display in the European Parliament this week.

One Million Stars Ireland is an inclusive community arts project that raises awareness of domestic, sexual and gender-based violence (DSGBV). Sadia has been involved with the award-winning project for 4 years, weaving stars with other project volunteers in Longford to shine a light on all forms of violence against women and girls.

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The Project’s ‘LOVE’ stars exhibition, which contains thousands of stars hand-woven by people in Longford and other counties, was on display in the Parliament building from June 24 to 26. The Project aims to ensure that tackling the issue of gender-based violence remains high on the Parliament’s agenda.

Members of the European Parliament were invited to weave their own star, representing a visual petition opposing violence against women and girls and standing in solidarity against all forms of gender-based violence. 

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This is the first time the travelling ‘LOVE’ exhibition was on display outside Ireland. The stars have already been exhibited in locations throughout Ireland.  

To learn more about the One Million Stars Ireland project visit www.onemillionstarsireland.ie