Helen Crickard

Biography

I'm originally from Carrickfergus, from a family of 12, I'm number seven! I had a windy path into adulthood and after many casual labour jobs, a business diploma and a distinction in City Guilds in Carpentry and Joinery, I settled in Belfast as a co founder of Lawrence Street Workshops an independent workspace as the jolly joiner. I got involved in many campaigns, ambulances for Palestine, anti-water charges, anti-war protests, Reclaim the Night marches and International Women's Day marches.

When women started meeting to talk about how we can contribute to changing our political landscape where women had a voice that was valued, I was very enthusiastic and naturally got involved in what was to become the Women's Coalition. More campaigns and what a learning curve seeing how our political structures were dominated by dinosaurs!

I'm a co-founder of Reclaim the Agenda with our vision, where all women are safe and secure to reach their potential and have an active role in society. We campaign against poverty, all forms of discrimination, a healthcare that meets our needs, a society, where women are equally represented as decision makers, affordable, flexible childcare and a world free of violence and sexual abuse.

Object

Some of the sitters have provided objects that came up in discussions with Hannah Starkey when sitting for their portraits. These personal selections speak to their work, activism and impact, and give insight into the meaning behind the project.

A photo from 2011 of the evening we had a motion passed at Belfast City Council that adopted International Women's Day as an annual event. It was proposed by Bernie Kelly and passed unanimously which I think was a first for any motion in Belfast City Council.