The National Women’s Council (NWC) has announced the All-Island Women’s Forum participants, consisting of 28 members, 14 from Northern Ireland and 14 from the South.  NWC has sought representation from groups all-too-often left out of decision-making spaces including PUL, LGBTI+, women from minority ethnic groups, Traveller women, disabled women, rural women and young women.

The Women’s Forum aims to address underrepresentation of women and further develop women’s role in peacebuilding and civic society. Funded through the Department of Foreign Affairs Reconciliation Fund, the Women’s Forum will also support building sustainable North South links, provide a space for marginalised communities, and build better understanding and inter-community links.

Paula McAliskey, Engagement Officer for Northern Ireland Rural Women’s Network (NIRWN) will be one of the 14 participants from Northern Ireland taking part in the Forum.  Paula is looking forward to collaborating with women from all over Ireland on the key issues that affect our everyday lives and ensuring that the role of rural women in Northern Ireland is represented both now and as we move forward to a better future.