NWC launches ‘A Feminist Shared Future’ report in Belfast
Published: Tuesday, April 29, 2025
Women from across Northern Ireland and beyond have come together to demand a future where they are not just participants, but architects of change - a future where gender equality, the unequal sharing of care work, economic inequality, and violence against women are placed at the heart of any constitutional conversation on this island.
Today in Belfast City Hall, the National Women’s Council (NWC) launched ‘A Feminist Shared Future’, the report of the Women’s Assembly - a deliberative process that brought together 50 women leaders from diverse backgrounds to shape a vision for Ireland’s future beyond binary political debates.
Rather than focusing solely on the question of reunification or remaining in the UK, the Women’s Assembly explored shared priorities — placing feminist values including equality, justice, and inclusivity at the centre of a shared future, and ensuring women’s voices are central to political processes, North and South.
The Assembly was chaired by former President and Belfast native Mary McAleese and featured participants from across the island, including women from politics, academia, community development, and activism, specifically including perspectives from marginalised voices that are too often absent from mainstream political conversations.
Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Micky Murray, who hosted the event at City Hall, said:
“It was a privilege to host this event at Belfast City Hall and to welcome so many women who are leading conversations about the kind of society we want to build. Belfast is a city shaped by dialogue and diversity, and events like this reflect that spirit – creating inclusive spaces where a broad range of voices are heard and where women are not only part of the conversation, but at the forefront of shaping the future.”
Rachel Coyle, Head of Campaigns and Mobilisation with NWC said:
"Too often, national debates on constitutional change are framed as divisive, dominated by male voices, leaving women’s perspectives marginalised or overlooked. But this conversation is happening, and women must be part of it. The Women’s Assembly showed that when women come together in spaces of open dialogue, healing, and shared learning, they bring a new dimension to the debate, one that moves beyond division and toward transformation. This is a crucial moment to ensure that feminist values, lived experiences, and the collective power of those too often excluded are at the heart of shaping Ireland’s future."
Nuala Toman, Head of Innovation and Impact at Disability Action Northern Ireland, and panellist at the event in Belfast said:
“What stood out most to me during the Women’s Assembly was the raw honesty in the room — the way women spoke not just from policy papers, but from experience, resilience, and hope. I remember a moment when a disabled woman shared how something as basic as the freedom to live and work independently felt revolutionary. That conversation shook me. It reminded me that dignity isn't a luxury — it's a right.
“As Ireland looks to the future, the voices of disabled women must be at the forefront of progress. What matters most is not just access — but human rights and equality. That means inclusive healthcare, economic justice, an adequate standard of living, freedom from violence, political representation, accessible housing, and digital innovation that leaves no one behind.
“Disabled women should not be an afterthought in policy; together we are leaders in shaping a more just, safe, and inclusive Ireland.”
Sarah Mason, CEO of the Women’s Aid Federation Northern Ireland, said:
“Having spent nearly 35 years working to end violence against women and girls across the whole island, I believe this must be a major priority—one that both governments must address together. There is no border when it comes to violence against women, particularly domestic abuse. In the North, we face some of the highest levels of femicide in Europe. We need to work together to change this and make the island a safe place for all women and girls.
“Being part of the Women’s Assembly was a powerful experience. The honesty of conversation and sharing was deeply moving. By continuing to work together, we are stronger together. At Women’s Aid Federation NI, we’re proud of our shared work with the National Women’s Council, generously supported by the Shared Island Civic Society Fund. This has created a rich tapestry of dialogue with organisations across the island, all working to end violence against women and girls. The learning from these events is captured in this report, and we’re proud to see it shaping the conversation.”
The report calls for continued investment in deliberative spaces for women, and urges policymakers to build inclusive frameworks that reflect the full diversity of people on the island.
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