President's Message

Northern Ireland stands on the threshold of a hopeful future. In October 2006 multi-party talks held in Scotland brought political parties to the next level of cooperation and understanding. The governments of the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland have worked tirelessly to continue the momentum towards peace and devolution. We applaud these efforts and we share the hope of the people of Northern Ireland and their leaders as they work together to forge a future of opportunity for their children.

The Northern Ireland Women's Initiative (NIWI) stands ready to serve the people of Northern Ireland in working towards the promise of full and equal political participation of women in local governments, the Northern Ireland Assembly, and the Westminster Parliament. Towards that end NIWI will work with all parties, as we have done since 2000, to provide political leadership training for women candidates in politics, policy and media. Where appropriate we will assist them to put the mechanisms in place that will result in genuine gender-balance at all levels. We look forward to the people of Northern Ireland being able to elect educated and competent leaders from a wider spectrum of experience and talent who will work together to serve their electorate.

There is much work to be done. Northern Ireland political parties are meeting to prepare for government and the imminent appointment of the Shadow First and Deputy First Ministers. On March 7, 2007 the people of Northern Ireland will voice their opinion in a national election and Ministers will be appointed to an Executive. At local government level parties are deciding the details of new local Councils that will come into being in shadow form in 2008.

The support of our friends in the United States is critical now if Northern Ireland is to succeed in electing leaders who will put aside partisan issues and work toward a new future for the next generation. The continued support of Senator George Mitchell has been a key to our success in training new leadership. We have also benefited from the support of political and business leaders who share our vision of hope for the people of Northern Ireland.

Together we are working towards a sea change in the electoral process for democracies in transition. Our work has major implications globally for other countries struggling towards a democratic future. With your help we will provide support and inspiration for those countries emerging from conflict situations and hope that one day they too will hold free and fair elections that promise the full and equal participation of women.

Maureen Murray
President / Founder
NIWI
Northern Ireland Women's Initiative