Conflict made women stronger says new report

Women in Northern Ireland became stronger, drawing strength from new responsibilities brought about by tragic consequences during the conflict according to a new report published by the Women’s Centres Regional Partnership

Launching the “Women and the Conflict” report in Belfast today, Junior Minister Jeffrey Donaldson, said it was a vital piece of social history.

“This project has enabled women from rural, urban, Protestant and Catholic backgrounds to discuss the various issues which affected their lives and their communities during the troubles.

“It captures their emotions, hopes and fears, as well as their personal and moving stories. For the first time it gives us an impression of the experiences of women in Northern Ireland during the last four decades and clearly illustrates that for many, it didn’t really matter where you lived – worry, fear and anxiety – were the emotions experienced by all,” he said.

“Few people were immune from the daily sorrow that featured in our headlines. Many women were widowed; young mothers had to struggle and bring up children alone without the support, love and financial security of their husbands; many women spent decades caring for those loved ones, a husband, father or child seriously injured; and some women paid the ultimate price with their lives.

“The daily struggle was underpinned by courage, resilience, strength and enduring resolve to survive.

“The report also provides a sense of the issues that impact on women’s lives today. There are still many issues that cause worry, fear and anxiety across our communities and the report has highlighted the issues that women have identified,” added Mr Donaldson.

He said the problems faced by women across the communities during the troubles often don't differ much.

"The issues, problems and challenges faced by women throughout the troubles and today differ little from one community to the other; this report draws attention to the ways that we can improve the lives regardless of where they live or what they do.

"This project recognised that each new era brings its own opportunities, concerns and challenges and sought to examine issues which concern women today, and in doing so to discover something of women's hopes for the future," added Mr Donaldson.

Notes to Editors:

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