NIWI & DemocraShe

Ensuring access, equality, and quality in democratic representation;
building peace and democracy by promoting women in politics

Rising out of the turmoil and violence of the “Troubles” that besieged Northern Ireland for over 30 years emerged necessary political and social change. Culminating in the 1998 Good Friday Agreement, one of the directives that came forth was the “right of women to full and equal political participation.” As part of the Good Friday peace-building process, NIWI was formed to address this directive and enhance the role of women within the Northern Ireland political system.

Creating a breakthrough non-partisan research, education and training platform, NIWI provides a comprehensive program to equip, mentor and promote women with the skills and political acumen needed to run a campaign and enter the political process. This landmark program, DemocraShe, is open to all women candidates and staff introducing them to public policy forums, social and economic issues, media and PR seminars, political party selection procedures, strategic campaign management, fundraising techniques and networking skills. Based in New York City, NIWI’s purpose is to support women in Northern Ireland, to encourage and develop their political skills. 100% of NIWI’s fundraising in the US is sent directly to Belfast to maintain this program

Located in the prestigious Institute of Governance at Queen’s University Belfast, DemocraShe works with serving and aspiring women politicians to strengthen their position politically within their parties, improve their policy and communication skills and run effective and successful election campaigns. DemocraShe also engages with Government, political parties and institutions to address women’s under-representation at all levels in politics, encourage and develop women politicians and remove barriers to women’s entry into and advancement in politics. With a focus in Northern Ireland on building peace and democracy by promoting women in politics, DemocraShe works with all parties and the approach is strictly non-partisan. DemocraShe offers strategic advice on increasing women’s political participation and leadership; provides education and training for current and aspiring women politicians to enable them to succeed politically; facilitates interchange between women with different political perspectives; seeks increased media coverage for women politicians and monitors women’s progress in elections.

NIWI & DemocraShe propose to share experiences internationally through evaluating and reporting on lessons for achieving women’s political equality generally and in conflict situations in particular; making the DemocraShe model available to emerging democracies and other conflict regions.