A new programme in Belfast is teaching women DIY and repair skills so they can fix things for themselves. The ‘Women Repairing It For Themselves’ workshop, hosted by Belfast Tool Library on the Shankill Road, aimed to teach women essential skills they can use in everyday life.
The free course took place as part of Belfast Repair Week on Thursday, March 5, to coincide with International Women’s Day. It was supported by the Northern Ireland Resources Network and Belfast City Council.
On the day, women were taught how to do basic electrical work, how to fix and change locks, how to fix holes in walls, as well as how to make small furniture repairs.
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Speaking to Belfast Live, workshop co-ordinator at Belfast Tool Library, Jane McMahon, said they were blown away by the interest they received for the event – and hope to run it again in the future.
She said: “The demand for this workshop has been absolutely off the scale. It’s something we have put out with NIRN, Belfast City Council, Reclaim the Agenda, and the Belfast Tool Library.
“Over 4,500 people have viewed it on Facebook, with 240 likes and counting. Now, due to the demand, we’re hoping to repeat the workshop, and are looking for funding to repeat it as many times, because the demand is out there.
“Women want to learn how to do DIY and repair. Because nearly half of all DIY work is done by women now, having a space where they can come learn the skills and practise them in a very hands-on way, people are practising what skills they want to take away with them.”
Jane added that working with natural materials such as wood has “incredible” effects on overall mental wellbeing, which they have seen as a result of surveys participants have taken.
She added: “When people are working with wood, it quietens that white noise in their head, it relaxes people. People can feel the tension reducing.
“People come here on courses and see it as a sanctuary; they see it as a very peaceful place away from the pressures of daily life.”
Corrina Askin, an artist based in Belfast, first came to the Belfast Tool Library around a year and a half ago to get support with building an outdoor frame to support an art trail she was building at Belfast Castle.
She said the group have helped her learn so quickly, and has always been there for support and advice. Corrina praised the 50/50 male and female membership, as well as how helpful it is to be able to access over 1,500 tools whenever she needs them as part of the membership.
As for the event for women, she said: “It’s very empowering – it’s very important to have this. When I first came here, I think I’d used a screwdriver before, but that’s about it.
“I learned bits like how to fix wonky chairs, and I’m actually doing an art trail up at Belfast Castle, which I needed an outdoor frame for, which was a specific project for me. But when I got here and started learning, I realised I’ve now learned how to do those everyday repairs around the house.
“For anyone interested in learning, I would definitely say come on down. You do an induction and get a run-through on what the tools are and how they work. We have everything here in the tool library. Just like a book, you can borrow a tool for up to a week.
“There are women of all ages here. There are women who have retired and just thought they’re tired of waiting around to find something, so they’re doing it for themselves.
“It’s a very welcoming, can-do place. It’s very informal. I finished my project within six weeks, but I’m still here a year and a half later, because I just love it.”
Belfast Repair Week raises awareness of the wider circular economy, from reuse and upcycling to sharing and repair and supports more sustainable choices across the city.
You can find out more about membership and workshops at the Belfast Tool Library by clicking here.
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