This year for International Women’s Day, ladies from Uist and Benbecula marked the achievements of older women with an event entitled ‘Celebrating the Cailleach’, which is an affectionate Gàidhlig term for an older woman. International Women’s Day is held to celebrate the achievements of all women throughout the world.
Held on 8th March in Grogarry Lodge, South Uist, ‘Celebrating the Cailleach’ brought together women to celebrate and share the wit, wisdom, grace and grit of growing older.
In total there was 1834 years of knowledge and experience between all the ‘cailleachs’ who attended, which made for a fun, energised and joyful event.
Norma Neill, Chair of the Uist and Barra Planning Group, said: “It was a wonderful event designed to give women from many different nationalities and backgrounds a chance to get together to support each other through the ageing process and in ‘Having the Time of their Lives!’
“I would like to thank the NHS Western Isles’ Health Promotion team and my colleagues on the planning group for all their efforts in making the event so successful.
Isabel Steele, NHS Western Isles’ Senior Health Improvement Officer, said: “It was a pleasure to work with so many talented women in such a creative way. The day identified issues for us to address and many reasons for us celebrating growing old.
“One fun workshop on the menopause taught us about many things and through sharing their stories, the women gave valuable hints and tips in surviving this stage in life which we can share with other women.”
Pictured are participants at the International Women’s Day event held at Groggary Lodge, South Uist.