Armed conflict disadvantages women.  In Northern Ireland, the priorities of conflict were constitutional issues, the question of national identity and equality between the conflicting groups.  Issues that impacted more upon women, such as education, health, childcare, gender equality and social welfare, were less important to the conflict priorities.  In addition, women were the sustainers of family and community while conflict raged around them. They were left to pick up the pieces and rebuild communities after the violence passed.  Dealing with the legacy of conflict, therefore, requires the empowerment of women to make up for years of lost time, to develop and participate where the mechanisms of conflict has excluded them and take their rightful place in the design and development of a post-conflict society.

After a long legacy of suffering, Northern Ireland is now emerging from 30 years of conflict.  2008 is the 10th Anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement, an all-Ireland Agreement which commits to peace and democracy and building a society based on equality and justice.

 

We are inviting delegates to come to Belfast to share their own experiences and in particular gain an insight into the diversity and strength of the women’s sector in Northern Ireland and the role women have played in strengthening communities and contributing to politics and policy development.