The Glencree Women’s Programme (GWP) has been a vital part of Glencree’s peacebuilding and reconciliation work since 1996. Emerging from the spirit of the many women involved in the founding and early years of Glencree, the initial programme was volunteer-led and ran without dedicated funding. That changed in 2008 with support from the Department of Foreign Affairs, aligned with Ireland’s commitment to UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security.
Over the years the Women's Programme evolved from informal gatherings into a structured programme. With a focus on grassroots, marginalised communities, it supports women in building their confidence, developing leadership and peacebuilding skills and becoming active leaders in their community and political life. Its strength lies in starting from the personal – supporting women to reflect on their own experiences – and moving outward to enable them to effect change in their families, communities and beyond.
The Women's Programme has played a significant role in providing space for difficult conversations within and between communities in Northern Ireland and the border areas through the use of 'single identity' and 'cross community' work. It has had a transformative role on the lives of countless women over the decades, underlining Glencree’s belief that meaningful peacebuilding must include and empower women at every level.
"We have seen first-hand in countries from every region the critical role women play as peace-builders, as community organizers, as voices for those who are marginalized. We are convinced that strengthening women’s leadership at every level is key to advancing peace, sustainable development and human rights in the 21st century." Mary Robinson, Former President of Ireland and UN High Commissioner for Human Rights
Amid a changing domestic and international policy landscape impacting women affected by political conflict and gender-based violence, Glencree undertook a period of reflection and strategic planning throughout 2018/19 to explore the future direction of the Women’s Programme.
This process included a scoping exercise and an external evaluation, alongside internal discussions among Glencree staff and Board members. Crucially, it was informed by a series of dialogues and consultations with long-standing stakeholders of the Women’s Programme; women peacebuilders and community leaders; and at policy events focused on women’s roles in peacebuilding. These dialogues took place as part of a wider, robust
This journey revealed a critical gap in support for women, who have experienced political conflict or violence across various jurisdictions on the island of Ireland. It highlighted the need for a programme that encompasses a diversity of women, including young women, and specifically strengthens the voice and influencing capacity of these women within their communities and in the political sphere on issues relating to peacebuilding.
Drawing on insights from this process, the programme was redeveloped under the banner of Women’s Leadership, with a renewed and inclusive all-island focus. This updated programme centres on advancing the goals of UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security.
Key Programme Activities & Milestones 2018/2019
Strategic Think-In (2018):
This gathering of women peacebuilders - including past Glencree Women’s Programme participants and a new, diverse generation of women leaders - together with community leaders, academics and policy experts from across the island of Ireland explored the key issues affecting women and their communities. Insights from this Think-In contributed to shaping the strategic direction of the evolving programme.
Residential Dialogues:
Policy Consultations:
As an advocate of UN Resolution 1325, and a member of the National Women's Council of Ireland, Glencree’s Women’s Leadership team was actively involved in consultations for Ireland’s Third National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security. This included a submission to the Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade public consultation which drew on experiences of working with women in conflict and post conflict communities in Northern Ireland and internationally, and in the asylum process living in Direct Provision having fled conflict zones.Mediation Training:
An engaging and interactive Introduction to Mediation course for women from both jurisdictions involved in conflict resolution and mediation was facilitated by Catherine O’Connell of Blossom Development. The course explored core principles, processes and practical strategies in mediation. Participants were introduced to five styles of conflict management and their appropriate use. They also developed their own skills through group exercises and hands-on learning.
Workshops & Conferences:
Representation at conferences focused on women and peacebuilding across the island of Ireland and engaging with key stakeholders was also a focus for the programme team including:
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