Funding boost to give women a better say

By the Editorial Team · Monday, August 10, 2026

The Women’s Resource and Development Agency in Northern Ireland has received a £100,000 funding boost from the Northern Ireland Office to launch a programme that increases women's participation in community decision-making forums. This initiative aims to address the underrepresentation of women in public consultations by providing training and support to help them engage more effectively in local governance.

The Women’s Resource and Development Agency (WRDA), a charity based in Northern Ireland, has received a £100,000 funding increase from the Northern Ireland Office aimed at enhancing women's involvement in community decision-making processes. The additional funds will support a new programme designed to encourage greater participation by women in forums where community-related policies and decisions are shaped.

WRDA plans to use the funding to promote and facilitate the engagement of women from diverse backgrounds, ensuring their perspectives are represented in discussions that influence local development and governance. This initiative responds to ongoing concerns about the underrepresentation of women in public consultation and decision-making bodies across Northern Ireland.

According to officials, the programme seeks to build capacity among women to contribute more effectively in various forums, thereby fostering more inclusive and representative community leadership. The initiative aligns with broader efforts by the Northern Ireland Office to promote equality and social inclusion in the region.

The Women’s Resource and Development Agency has a history of advocating for gender equality and supporting women's rights. This funding boost will enable the organisation to expand its outreach and provide targeted support and training, empowering women to engage confidently in leadership roles within their communities.

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