The women’s groups from across Northern Ireland are working to reach the most marginalised and vulnerable women in society.
The Women’s Centres Regional Partnership (WCRP) unites women from the most disadvantaged parts of Northern Ireland to take important issues right to the heart of government. Today the Social Development Minister launched WCRP and endorsed its Strategic Plan 2006-2009.
The Partnership already works closely with the Department for Social Development and commenting at the event the Minister paid tribute to the commitment of all partners and stakeholders: “The Partnership has achieved a great deal in a short time and together with the women’s centres is making a real difference to the quality of life within some of our poorest and most disadvantaged communities.”
The minister added: “The work of women in the community is often overlooked - the contribution that you make to building a strong, confident and compassionate community is essential.”
WCRP is a partnership of the Women’s Resource and Development Agency; the Women’s Support Network; The Women’s Centre, Derry and the Northern Ireland Rural Women’s Network. The Partnership works directly with fourteen frontline women’s organisations including seven in Belfast, four in the North West and three serving rural areas.
Siobhan Doherty, one of the WCRP Directors, said: “The work of the Partnership is to benefit the women’s centres and then in turn to benefit women in communities. Together we have a stronger voice and we can work together to benefit thousands of women in Northern Ireland.”
Notes to Editors:
- The 14 women’s centres working with WCRP are: Atlas Women’s Centre, Ballybeen Women’s Centre, Chrysalis Women’s Centre, Falls Women’s Centre, First Steps Women’s Centre, Footprints Women’s Centre, Foyle Women’s Information Network, Greenway Women’s Centre, Magherafelt Women’s Centre (The Learning Lodge), Shankill Women’s Centre, Strathfoyle Women’s Activity Centre, The Women’s Centre, Waterside Women’s Centre and Windsor Women’s Centre.
- Media enquiries to DSD Information Office on 028 9082 9078. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.
- For further information on WCRP contact Tiziana O'Hara on 028 9023 0212 or info@wcrp.org.uk
