Shine A Light hears from two Traveller women on identity, discrimination and disability

This week’s Shine A Light on South East Radio turns the spotlight on Traveller rights, identity and the lived experience of Traveller women in Ireland.

Siobhan Murphy speaks to Traveller advocate Star Stokes, a mother of eight and grandmother who works with the Kilkenny Traveller Community Movement. Star discusses growing up in the Traveller community, the importance of preserving Traveller traditions and language and the discrimination she says many Travellers still face in housing, employment and everyday life. She also raises serious concerns about mental health and suicide within the community.

Also featured is Emma Ward, a young Traveller woman, journalist and disability activist who has been a wheelchair user since childhood. Emma speaks about accessibility, independence and the challenges of living with both a disability and the stigma sometimes associated with being a Traveller. She says people with lived experience need to be included in the decisions that affect their lives.

The episode asks what it really means to be a Traveller woman in Ireland today, what has changed — and what still needs to change.

Shine A Light with Siobhan Murphy airs on South East Radio every Wednesday at 8pm and is also available to listen back on podcast

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