Cyprus Women's Coalition Visits Belfast and Dublin for Peace Process Insights

During the trip, CWBC representatives had the opportunity to hear firsthand accounts of the Good Friday Agreement's negotiation and implementation from key actors involved at the time. They met with politicians and officials actively working on the agreement’s implementation.

“This experience is crucial not only for observing past successes but also for understanding the ongoing challenges and efforts required to sustain peace,” stated the CWBC.

High-Level Meetings and Discussions

In Belfast, CWBC members engaged with senior officials at the UK government’s Northern Ireland office. They discussed the office’s objectives and detailed efforts towards building a shared future and implementing the Good Friday Agreement.

In Dublin, CWBC members met with Bertie Ahern, former Irish Prime Minister and a signatory of the Good Friday Agreement, to discuss his experiences and insights into Northern Ireland’s journey. They also spoke with Joe Hackett, Secretary General at the Irish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and other high-ranking officials responsible for Northern Ireland, Cyprus, and Southeast Europe.

Inspiration from the Northern Ireland Women’s Coalition

CWBC members drew significant inspiration from their interactions with Bronagh Hinds, a prominent figure in the Northern Ireland Women’s Coalition and a key advisor during the Good Friday Agreement negotiations. Hinds shared her experiences and offered advice on making Cyprus’s peace process more inclusive and transparent.

Understanding the Role of Women in Peacebuilding

The delegation also met with Aisling Reilly and Pam Cameron, Assistant Ministers in the Northern Ireland Executive, and Claire Sugden MLA, Chair of the Women’s Group in the Northern Ireland Assembly. They discussed the ongoing struggles and progress of women in Northern Ireland politics.

Visits to Peace Walls and Community Centers

The CWBC’s visit included a special tour of the Peace Walls in Belfast, which were built to separate Catholic and Protestant neighborhoods. Members signed the Peace Wall, leaving messages of hope for a future where such barriers are no longer needed. They also visited two important centers: the WAVE Trauma Centre and the Shankill Women’s Centre, gaining further insight into the impact of conflict on communities.

The visit underscored the importance of learning from past peace processes to inform ongoing efforts in Cyprus, emphasizing the role of women in building and sustaining peace.