Women write the ‘Next Chapter!’
FUTURE success in public and political life and continued peace for the region relies on the increased involvement of women in civic and political life.
That was the message from Joanne Jennings, Head of Programmes at Politics Plus, as a team from ‘ The Next Chapter’ begin their journey across Northern Ireland and the border regions to promote this new and innovative EU funded civic empowerment programme which aims to support women in taking their first steps into public life.
The team visited Dundalk on Wednesday last where they met a number of Louth County Council public representatives.
Beginning in Belfast, The Next Chapter team and mobile billboard will travel hundreds of miles through towns and cities including Lisburn, Newry, Greencastle, Carlingford, Dundalk, Antrim, Ballymena, Portstewart, Derry~Londonderry, Omagh, Enniskillen, Upper Bann and Monaghan. As well as publicising details about The Next Chapter and meeting female public representatives and business leaders along the journey, staff will be on hand to answer questions and provide information for those interested in registering for the programme.
The project is being led by ‘Politics Plus’ in conjunction with Northern Ireland Council for Voluntary Action (NICVA) and Irish Rural Link.
The Next Chapter is a new programme supporting women to develop their ideas, build communities and support the transition out of conflict.
It aims to improve the representation of women in public and political life and contribute to a more gender-sensitive society in Northern Ireland and the border regions of the Republic of Ireland.
The initiative will run a series of training, coaching, mentoring and empowering programmes for women living and working in towns, cities and rural areas across the region.
Head of Programmes for Politics Plus, the lead organisation behind The Next Chapter, Joanne Jennings said: ‘Women are under represented in public life in Northern Ireland and border counties of the ROI and The Next Chapter aims to increase the level of female representation.’
She explained that the programme has been designed to help women or all ages and backgrounds take their first steps into politics and public life and includes training in communication, conflict resolution, media and others.
Participants will also receive help in identifying how they can positively deliver change in their own areas.
An information session with be held in Dundalk on 31st May at 7pm at Creative Spark, Clontygora Court, Muirhevnamor.