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DemocraShe. Breakthrough for women politicians
Scope Magazine, June 2000
The delivery involves partners from Queen's University Belfast and the University of Ulster, specialist trainers and UPC's own tutors. It is supported by childcare and is flexible with a combination of residential, evening and Saturday sessions.
Participants will compile their own politics, policy and media toolkit which they can use to attain Open College Network learning credits.
Speaking on behalf of women from the Progressive Unionist Party, which was the first party to sign up for democraShe, Patricia McMullan said: "We started the programme with a residential and I felt like a different person after only two days and I know I speak for all the women."
"We learned that everyone is an individual with strengths, weaknesses, needs and barriers and everyone said lack of confidence was a barrier."
"One colleague was so nervous she was nearly crying before she gave a short speech, yet she was fantastic when she got up. We amazed each other as well as ourselves and we can't wait for the next stage."
"We also discussed a five year plan for women in the party and the way broadcasters treat women in politics"
"NIWI and UPC have provided us with an opportunity of a lifetime. Their generosity and support, including free training and childcare, will spur women on and you will soon see a lot of new faces as a result of this programme."
Aine O'Keefe, PA to Carmel Hanna MLA, gave her initial impressions after the first day of the SDLP's programme: "The group is an extremely diverse bunch of women with different life experiences but everyone is working to a common goal."
"I am new to the party and I think it will be very useful to make contacts and learn from other people's experiences in a supportive learning environment. The course will also provide the information we need to choose the right path to take," she said.
For Patricia Lewsley MLA, the course represented an ideal opportunity for team-building by bringing together 15 women from a wide area and different age groups who would normally only meet each other at the party conference.
Welcoming the innovatory new programme, she said: "The course appeals to women who want to be party activists and chair a branch or constituency as well as elected representatives."
"We have already debated the position of women and hopes for the future, which include doubling the number of women councillors. At present 21 out of 120 SDLP councillors are women and we aim to achieve 42 women in both new and vacant positions. This programme will provide the skills, support and contacts to enable more women to go forward for nomination and selection."
Alexandra Lange, Director and co-founder of NIWI, looked forward to the emergence of a different political culture. She said: "Most women in the 21st century are fortunate because their partners understand that parenthood is a family issue which needs a true partnership with both parents pursuing their goals. More men and women will campaign for a better work-life balance which will make it feasible for women to advance in public life."
"When the number of women in politics reaches a critical mass at around 30 per cent their presence will become the norm and they will bring a different dynamic with more emphasis on negotiation, teamworking and joined-up government."
"The development of linkages between women in politics, business and the community will harness the creativity and diversity of women's experience to strengthen Northern Ireland civic society." |
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