A new cross-border and cross-community programme which will develop leadership skills and empower women to bring about positive change within their local communities has been launched today by Denis Rooney CBE, Chairman of the International Fund for Ireland and Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness.The Women in Networking, Bridging Communities Through Leadership Programme will provide an opportunity for women from diverse backgrounds to come together to identify common issues, share experiences and develop practical action plans for their local neighbourhoods with the long-term goal of producing positive lasting change.
The Programme will be delivered through a combination of residential training weekends and college tuition, with nearly 50 women expected to take part in the Programme over the next three years. Training will address topics such as sectarianism, racism, substance abuse, health and education.
The Programme has been developed as a result of a unique partnership between Ardmonagh Family and Community Centre in West Belfast, Carew II Family and Training Centre in East Belfast and Networking 15 in North Dublin, and is being funded by the International Fund for Ireland through its Community Bridges Programme.
Speaking at the launch, Denis Rooney said: “The International Fund for Ireland is very happy to fund programmes such as this, which help to underpin peace building efforts, promote reconciliation and contribute to social advance throughout the island of Ireland. This new, ground-breaking initiative will empower women to step outside the normal patterns of community mobility and allow them to come together to identify common issues, share experiences, learn together and develop practical action plans which will benefit their communities. Programme participants will become ‘champions for reconciliation’ and as the skills they acquire will be transferable, this will allow participants to inspire and mentor others to follow in their footsteps with the aim of building stronger, happier and more inclusive communities.”
Mr McGuinness said: “It is a privilege to be part of an event which aims to bring together women from differing backgrounds and provide them with training and networking opportunities. I hope the project will equip these women to bring about positive changes within their communities.
“There is one simple word that is key to resolving conflict and building peace - leadership. To demonstrate that a better future is not only possible but achievable we need to challenge our own communities to change. That can be a daunting task. But everyone shares a common hope for a better future.
“This project will give the women an opportunity to explore, share and learn from each others experiences. Hopefully it will inspire them to make a difference not just within their own communities but also in the wider society,” added the deputy First Minister.
Christine Poland, Project Coordinator of WIN, said “We are really excited about this project. The first set of women joining the programme have already worked in some capacity in the area of community development, yet most are not aware of the impact of their work on the wider community. This programme will enable them to further develop these skills and will deliver women who are practical, passionate and have the ability to create lasting change, women who are willing to roll up their sleeves and get stuck in. I’m looking forward to seeing what the possibilities are when they join forces and work together as one”.
Six women from each of the three partnership areas have been selected to take part in the first year of the programme which begins on 6th March.
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