ONE MILLION STARS – THE STORY
The One Million Stars to End Violence project was established by Maryann Talia Pau, a Samoan – Australian artist in response to the rape and murder of and Irish woman in Melbourne. In the Samoan culture, the star is a symbol of light, hope and solidarity. The project used star weaving to rebuild trust within Melbourne communities, condemning violence and showing solidarity towards those who experience it, particularly Domestic Violence.
ONE MILLION STARS IRELAND
In 2020 Siobhan Mc Quillan brought the project to Ireland, to Kilkenny. Since then, it has been extended to many counties including Limerick.
1 in 5 women in Ireland have been abused by a current or former partner. Women from every cultural and social background can and do experience violence. The cause of domestic violence is the same in all communities: it is an issue of gender equality and abuse of power and control (Pavee Point, 2019).
With the arrival of COVID 19, and a dramatic rise in domestic abuse, we saw the launch of the #StillHere public awareness campaign to highlight supports for those experiencing domestic abuse. Through Operation Faoiseamh, the Gardaí are reaching out to victims of domestic abuse with the aim of keeping those who may be at risk, safe within our communities.
Through working together to weave and display our stars, we will show solidarity towards women experiencing domestic violence and highlight the supports they can access through ADAPT Domestic Abuse Services.
ONE MILLION STARS – HOW TO JOIN IN
& BECOME A STAR WEAVER
Pick up a FREE weaving pack at one of our collection points
& help us weave 5,000 stars by November 19th 2021!
Collection & Drop Off Points
Yours Sincerely/Askeaton Post Office, Askeaton V94 CP86- An Siopa Milséan, Abbeyfeale V94 D963
- Sonas Healthfoods, Newcastle West V42 Y685
- Desmond Complex, Newcastle West V42 WT20
- Newcastle West Community Centre, Newcastle West V42 PN25
- Homestore, Tournafulla V42 PX27
- Foróige Rathkeale Community Centre V94 V6R6
- Rathkeale Youth Service Space V94 K6K7
And once they’re made, drop the completed stars back
to any of the locations above!
Stay connected with our weaving community by sharing your stars with us
on social media using #WestLimerickStars
