By 
A SPECIAL breakfast in Omagh celebrated the stories and experiences of women from diverse backgrounds now living in the local community as part of International Women’s Day.
Organised by ERANO and supported by the Fermanagh and Omagh Central Good Relations Programme, the event took the form of a breakfast brunch this year at the Silverbirch Hotel.
Keeping with the 2026 theme of ‘Give to Gain’, organisers brought together a diverse group of women who gave their time to learn more about one another and share their experiences.
Highlighting the growing diversity within the local community, ERANO placed a table host at each table representing women from different international backgrounds, with each host sharing the story of her journey to the North.
Speakers at the event came from a variety of backgrounds, including refugee, asylum seeker, economic migrant and skilled worker communities, and shared their personal stories with those in attendance.
The aim of the event was to showcase the experiences of newcomer communities and give the wider public an opportunity to learn about the many different routes through which people come to live in Omagh, helping to challenge the misconception that all newcomers arrive illegally. ERANO founder Mary Lafferty described the International Women’s Day event as ‘meaningful, with active participation fostering important conversations and sharing inspiring stories’.
“ERANO was delighted with the level of support we had over both events organised this week,” Mary said. “Such engagement can have a lasting positive impact and promote greater awareness and understanding among our different communities.
“Our table hosts especially deserve thanks for openly sharing their stories. The event aimed to highlight the fact that many new nationalities are now in the Fermanagh and Omagh District, and the reasons why people come here differ, their legal status differ and each person has their own story to tell.”
Complexity
Mary added, “We are a diverse community, and one label does not cover the complexity of new communities arriving here. The morning was about sharing stories, building connections, and integration. It was an extremely successful event, enjoyed by all present.”
ERANO (Empowering Refugees and Newcomers’ Organisation) is a charity dedicated to supporting refugees, asylum seekers and migrant families across the Fermanagh and Omagh District Council area.
Initially established in 2021 to assist Syrian refugees, the organisation has since expanded its work to support Ukrainian refugees and members of various ethnic minority communities, now reaching more than 100 families.
ERANO provides a range of free services aimed at helping individuals integrate and rebuild their lives.
