This web-page came about as a result of a joint project which began in 1999, between Clondalkin Travellers Development Group (CTDG) and Community Media Network (CMN). CTDG was established in 1989 to promote the social, economic, educational and cultural interests of Travellers as a nomadic ethnic group within Irish society.
CMN is a not for profit organisation committed to promoting community development and empowerment, using photography, radio, video, print and internet as resource

THE GROUP:The Clondalkin Young Traveller Women's Media Group is comprised of 5 young Traveller women between the ages of 17 and 28 years of age, who live in the Clondalkin area of Dublin

THE PROJECT:The first six week programme was spent developing skills in photography, how to use the camera, portraits and concepts on photography; use of chemicals, the enlarger, the final product. The next six week programme concentrated on how to bring this learning on. It was then decided to produce a travelling exhibition for local schools and libraries and a web page which was kindly offered to the group by CMN. The focus of the work then was to produce stories as a tool for the majority population to have an insight into what it means to be a young Traveller woman in Irish society. This is not a new idea as some of the women had done this before and published it in a book entitled "Travelling through our Family Lives".

It was interesting therefore, to see that the young women had moved on in their lives and some circumstances had changed. However, it is also evident that many circumstances had not, such as the levels of racist abuse and discrimination faced by these young women in their everyday lives. It is hoped that by publishing these stories and photographs it will help towards gaining an understanding of how much Travellers have to offer Irish society. The challenge exists therefore, for us to accept Travellers distinct cultural identity and to celebrate the enrichment of our wider cultural experience.