Research and Publications
Where’s Our Democracy? One Year On: Is the Assembly Working for Women? Progress Report (March 2025)
The Women's Policy Group assessed the Northern Ireland Assembly's progress on 15 high-priority requests one year after their submission. Using a traffic light system, they rated each department's progress.
Key achievements include funding for the EVAWG Strategy and extending welfare mitigations. However, there was no progress on the Bill of Rights, banning conversion therapy, and implementing the Social Inclusion Strategies. Some progress was made on the Domestic Abuse Strategy and gender budgeting. Ministers' engagement with the Women's Policy Group varied, with some declining meetings.
The report highlights ongoing challenges and the need for sustained efforts to address women's issues.
The connection between domestic violence and homelessness in Northern Ireland (December 2024)
This thesis explores the link between domestic violence and homelessness in Northern Ireland, highlighting the impact of patriarchal structures, housing shortages, and policy inadequacies. It uses McPhail’s Intersectional Feminist Policy Analysis Framework to assess policies and identifies barriers such as underfunding, gender neutrality, and legal misunderstandings. The study emphasizes the need for cultural change, better funding, and improved interdepartmental coordination to address the issue effectively. It also calls for more research on the experiences of marginalized groups, including disabled women and the impact of paramilitarism on domestic violence.
The connection between domestic violence and homelessness in Northern Ireland - Executive Summary (December 2024)
The research highlights the link between domestic violence and homelessness in Northern Ireland, emphasizing issues like disjointed services, lack of housing, and gender inequality. It calls for cultural change, better coordination, and specific measures to address alcoholism, mental health, and trust in policing to reduce domestic violence-related homelessness.
Key Research Findings: Health Inequalities in Northern Ireland: Chapter Two; The impact of the cost of living crisis on women’s health (February 2024)
The Women's Resource and Development Agency (WRDA) report highlights the disproportionate impact of the Cost of Living Crisis on women in Northern Ireland. Key findings include significant declines in both physical and mental health, with 83% of women reporting health impacts and 89% noting worsened mental health. The crisis has led to increased stress, anxiety, and depression, and has affected care responsibilities and grocery shopping habits. Recommendations include implementing a Women's Health Strategy, a Childcare Strategy, and increasing investment in women's centers.
Gender Inequality in Northern Ireland: Where are we in 2024?
In 2020, WRDA produced a number of statistics on gender inequality in Northern Ireland, against a number of key indicators. This data represents an update on the 2020 statistics, against the same measures, insofar as they are available.
Health Inequalities in Northern Ireland: Chapter Two; The impact of the cost of living crisis on women’s health (February 2024)
The report by the Women’s Resource and Development Agency (WRDA) examines the impact of the Cost of Living Crisis on women’s health in Northern Ireland. It highlights how financial strain has worsened both physical and mental health, with increased stress, anxiety, and new or exacerbated health conditions. The crisis has also affected women’s access to nutritious food and healthcare, and increased reliance on community support. The report calls for urgent government action, including implementing a Women’s Health Strategy, a Childcare Strategy, and increased investment in women’s centers.
After Violence: Attitudes and Reporting Violence Against Women and Girls WPG NI PRIMARY RESEARCH FINDINGS (December 2023)
The "After Violence" report by the Women's Policy Group NI explores women's experiences and attitudes towards reporting violence against women and girls (VAWG) in Northern Ireland. Key findings include that 87% of women have experienced VAWG, but only 22% feel comfortable reporting it to the police. The report highlights low confidence in the justice system, with only 9% believing courts take VAWG seriously. Recommendations include establishing dedicated reporting mechanisms, compulsory rehabilitation for offenders, and improved police training. The report calls for systemic reforms to better support victims and increase trust in the justice system.
STUDENT PLACEMENT ORIGINAL RESEARCH – Conscientious objection to abortion amongst health care workers in Northern Ireland: Scoping Exercise (September 2023)
The document discusses the challenges of abortion provision in Northern Ireland despite its decriminalization. It highlights the limited availability of services, requiring travel to Great Britain for surgical procedures. Conscientious objection by healthcare providers further complicates access, causing delays and additional burdens, especially for marginalized groups. Interviews with healthcare professionals and activists reveal issues with the booking system, lack of local support, and insufficient information for both patients and staff. The document calls for better training, public awareness campaigns, and a more supportive legal and policy environment to improve abortion services and reduce stigma.
WPG Primary Research: ‘After Violence: Attitudes and Reporting VAWG’ Key Findings Report (September 2023)
The WPG report on "After Violence: Attitudes and Reporting VAWG" highlights that 87% of women experienced VAWG, but only 27% reported it to the police. Most disclosures were to friends or family. Only 9% believe courts take VAWG seriously, and 65% experienced domestic abuse without reporting it.
Summary of Health Inequalities in Northern Ireland: Chapter One; The Impact of the Maternal Advocacy and Support Project (MAS)
The MAS project by WRDA supports maternal mental health in Northern Ireland, where services are lacking. Research shows 100% of participants felt more supported, 94% gained confidence, and all would recommend the project. Focus groups highlighted improved mental health, reduced loneliness, and the project's role as a lifeline.
Health Inequalities in Northern Ireland: Chapter One; The Impact of the Maternal Advocacy and Support Project (MAS) (February 2023)
The report by the Women’s Resource and Development Agency (WRDA) examines health inequalities in Northern Ireland, focusing on maternal mental health. It highlights the Maternal Advocacy and Support (MAS) project, which supports over 200 women through peer support groups, workshops, and advocacy. MAS has improved participants' mental health, confidence, and social connections. The report identifies gaps in statutory maternal healthcare, such as the absence of a Mother and Baby Unit (MBU) and inconsistent access to specialist perinatal mental health teams. The MAS project is praised for its holistic, community-based approach and its potential for long-term positive impacts.
Violence Against Women and Girls in Northern Ireland: NI Women’s Policy Group Research Findings (April 2022)
This research was conducted to inform the WPG’s written response to the Executive Office (TEO) Equally Safe: Violence Against Women and Girls Call for Views. This was to ensure that the voices of women were central to our response and to the development of a robust Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) Strategy.
WPG COVID-19 Feminist Recovery Plan Supplementary Research Report: Putting Women’s Voices at the Core
The WPG COVID-19 Feminist Recovery Plan Supplementary Research Report highlights the pandemic's disproportionate impact on women in Northern Ireland. It includes interviews and surveys revealing issues in economic justice, health, social justice, and cultural pillars. Key findings show increased mental health decline, financial struggles, and heightened caregiving responsibilities.
The report emphasizes the need for a feminist approach to recovery planning, addressing systemic inequalities exacerbated by the pandemic. It calls for policy changes to ensure women's voices are central in recovery efforts.
NI COVID-19 Feminist Recovery Plan: Relaunch – One Year On (July 2021)
This relaunch of the Feminist Recovery Plan will aim to not only highlight the recommendations that the WPG has been lobbying on for over a year, but it will also put the voices of women in Northern Ireland at its core. We have conducted additional primary research with women across Northern Ireland asking their experiences of COVID-19, through anonymous surveys, interviews and case studies.
Gender Inequality in Northern Ireland: Where are we in 2020?
The 2020 report on gender inequality in Northern Ireland highlights significant disparities across economic, social, cultural, and equality pillars. Women face challenges in employment, pay gaps, and higher dependency on social security. Domestic and sexual violence are under-reported, and women are underrepresented in politics and decision-making roles. The report calls for embedding gender equality in all policy and legislative decisions, protecting existing rights, and addressing structural barriers to improve women's lives in Northern Ireland.
WRDA Position on the Inclusion of Trans Women and Non-Binary People (2020)
WRDA supports trans women, non-binary, and gender-fluid people, rejecting trans exclusionary actions, and promotes equality, dignity, and respect based on self-identification.
Feminist Recovery Plan
Given the disproportionate impact of the pandemic on women globally, the Women’s Policy Group have prepared a COVID-19 Feminist Recovery Plan for Northern Ireland. This plan sets out WPG recommendations for recovering from COVID-19
Women at the Heart of Public Consultation A guide for Public Authorities and Women’s Organisations (November 2017)
The document is a guide for public authorities and women's organizations on promoting women's participation in public consultations. It emphasizes collaboration, accessible engagement, clear language, storytelling, and visibility of women's contributions to ensure inclusive and effective decision-making processes.
Publications (blogs and reports by the Women’s Sector Lobbyist)