Seven-year-old Emily O'Loughlin from Doneraile took centre stage last week, as her portrait featured in an exhibition that celebrated International Women's Day. The collection, on display in the Cork Vision Centre, features images of 36 girls from different communities across Ireland and Sierra Leone. Emily's photo was captured on the family farm in Doneraile, as she holds her favourite hen.

As a way of contrasting the cultures in the two countries, there is also a photo of Emily's Sierra Leonean 'counterpart', seven-year-old Ramatu featured.

Speaking about being involved in the 'Her Story' exhibition, Emily said that it was really exciting to be part of and the photo shoot itself was great fun. "It was funny to see myself at the exhibition and lots of people were looking at the photo of me. One day, when I'm older, I'd love to meet Ramatu," she said.

IMPORTANT MESSAGE

Speaking at the launch, Mike Mansfield of Plan Ireland said that the exhibition is timely and he hopes that it will help to bring the focus onto the widespread denial of women's basic human rights.

"From the bustling side streets of Freetown, to the lush farms of Cork and beyond, these beautiful images create a fascinating narrative. While opportunities may differ and aspirations vary, one thing remains: each girl has a story to tell – her story."

The exhibition, which runs for two weeks, is part of the Because I Am A Girl campaign by Plan Ireland and over the next four years, Plan Ireland aims to support the education of four million girls in developing countries. Emily's mother Erin is one of almost 700 Cork people who sponsor a child in a developing country with Plan Ireland.

To see all of the images, visit www.plan.ie/herstory

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