Inclusion of women in politics is essential to make political progress

4.30.10pm GMT Mon 13th Nov 2006

Alliance Party Chair, Yvonne Boyle

Alliance Party Chair Yvonne Boyle has stated that the inclusion of women in local politics is essential in order to make political progress. She spoke as she took part in an event focusing on encouraging women into political and public life, hosted by Peter Hain, which is taking place at Hillsborough today. Alliance sent a nine-strong group of representatives to the conference.

One third of all Alliance MLAs and a third of all their councillors are women. This is the highest percentage out of any of the parties in Northern Ireland. Three of the most high-ranking party office holders are women, with Naomi Long as Deputy Leader, Yvonne Boyle as Party Chair and Geraldine Rice as Party President.

Yvonne Boyle, who is a member of the Alliance Women's Network said: "The inclusion of women in peace building would help make discussions on power-sharing and justice more substantial. This would help ensure that genuine power-sharing can be achieved here.

"We need to involve women in the process of working through community trauma in a way that will help healing and appreciate diversity.

"This conference is particularly timely, coming as it does just before the launch of the gender equality strategy."

ENDS