As Peace Comes Into View – Women Strike Out For Greater Representation in Northern Ireland

Mural painted on side of office building of Bobby Sands

This is painted on the side of Sinn Feins office in Belfast, Northern Ireland. Image: Supermac1961

As women from all provinces march to Belfast this Spring they stand on the solid ground in the push to see more women candidates. “Half of the population is not fairly represented in the decision making process and this cannot be right,” said May de Silva, director of Women Into Politics.

The role of women in the peace process in Northern Ireland has been constant and committed. Last August 2006 marked the 30th anniversary of the beginning of Peace People. Born from the grief of the tragic deaths of three children the Community of Peace People has brought the important issues to front stage. Even though women have been ignored by the leaders. Have suffered terribly under the costs of war today a new bell is sounding.

“Peace is not without sacrifice; and it should thus be remembered,” said Videl Martin, a human rights activist and author. “The year 2007 seems to be of great importance.”

Since the signing of the 1998 Belfast Agreement, Northern Ireland has begun to map a hard and steady progress away from years of suffering in the Northern Irish conflict.

Inquests are still being held to investigate the brutal killings and tortures that took place from 1990 to 1998.

Listen to the BBC’s show “Woman’s Hour” as Martha Kearney, honorary life president of Peace People talks with Lindy McDowell, journalist for the Belfast Telegraph and Irish journalist, Ruth Dudley Edwards.