The test of a peaceful and inclusive society is one where equality and
human rights are realised and that no-one feels left behind. From the
Loyalist Women’s Engagement Survey to semi-structured interviews, the
evidence presented indicate that loyalist women feel farthest behind; from no
longer feeling they are able to express their culture and identity freely, feeling
political parties no longer represent their views and feeling they are unable
to have a say on decisions which impact upon their lives.
This report is about highlighting the views and barriers faced by loyalist women so
that their issues can be moved on to the government agenda to ensure their full and equal
participation in moving Northern Ireland forward.
Indeed, four decades after the landmark Convention for the Elimination of
All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) the commitment to
gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls has fallen off the
political radar in Northern Ireland – although some may argue it was never
on the political agenda! The 1992 Vienna Declaration and the 1995 Beijing
Conference shouted loud and clear that women’s rights are human rights
and human rights are women’s rights – yet a Bill of Rights for all those living
in Northern Ireland has eluded our political representatives for many years.
There is still so much to do to achieve equality for women in Northern Ireland
especially around access to reproductive healthcare and protecting women
and girls against violence to name a few. While these issues resonate with all
women in Northern Ireland, in line with the remit of Her Loyal Voice this
report covers discrimination experienced by loyalist women, their concerns
both social and political and the process required for empowering loyalist
women to ensure their full and equal participation in all levels of decision
making in Northern Ireland.
Download the full report here.
