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Reposted by NIRWN

Raise Your Voice @raiseyourvoiceni.bsky.social · 10/06/2025

We must first acknowledge the girl whose violation sparked the chain of events. We stand in solidarity with her and with her family now and always. Instead, ostensibly because of the ethnic background of the boys accused of carrying out this attack, the vigil was hijacked by people intent on harm.

Violence in Ballymena
text above WRDA RTA WSN NIRWN logos

We must first acknowledge the girl whose violation sparked the chain of events. She and her family will have to navigate her trauma and grief from this incident as well as to engage with the criminal justice system, which is challenging for any survivor, and particularly for one so young. We stand in solidarity with her and with her family now and always.
Her family called for a peaceful and inclusive vigil to draw attention to the epidemic of violence against women and girls, and this could have been a moment for the community to come together on this issue that plagues every part of our society and impacts such a huge number of women and girls across our lifetimes.

Instead, ostensibly because of the ethnic background of the boys accused of carrying out this attack, the vigil was hijacked by people intent on harm. Their actions harmed families and individuals and left many without shelter, including women and girls who were removed from their homes by this destruction. They have also left people in fear for their safety, particularly people from an ethnic minority background.
None of this helps the victim in this case. None of this will address the broader issue of VAWG.

Most gender-based violence and most sexual violence is carried out by people known to the victim. In the reporting year 2023/24, 1,681 files were sent to the PPS regarding sexual crimes. Many of these were not prosecuted, and many, many more were never reported. We do not usually see vigilante actions in response to incidents of rape, and in this case it is clear that these actions, which defied the family’s wishes, were motivated by racism.
We welcome outrage at the trauma that this girl has suffered, but this outrage can and must be channelled correctly. We need reform within the legal system, we need to address the culture that makes these incidents so common, we need to tackle prejudice and racism, and we need to redouble our efforts to achieve the goal of ending violence against women and girls.

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NIRWN @nirwn.bsky.social · 12/06/2025

#TeamNIRWN is at the Carers’ Health Fair this morning at Coleraine Scout Hall....come along if you're in the area and see what's on offer from ourselves and other services represented. All welcome

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Reposted by NIRWN

Women's Platform @womensplatformni.bsky.social · 11/06/2025

The new toolkit from Women's Spaces—our consortium with @wrda-team.bsky.social, @nirwn.bsky.social, & Women's Support Network—supports meaningful, self-paced learning on women's activism in Northern Ireland. It’s full of useful links, evidence, & real-life examples.Check it out : pillarsforpeace.org

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NIRWN @nirwn.bsky.social · 01/06/2025

#TullachÓg One thing you can say about our ancient high kings and chieftans is that they knew how to choose a spot with a view. Gorgeous evening walk looking to the Sperrins on the left & towards Slemish on the right A moment for the headline in the last photo-not much change 😉

View to the Sperrins at sunset from Tullagh Óg Fort inauguration seat of Clan O’Neill

View towards Slemish from Tullach Óg Fort

An information board (one of many in the trail to the fort) with the title ‘The Struggle for Supremacy’-as much as things change perhaps they stay the same

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NIRWN @nirwn.bsky.social · 29/05/2025

Join us for this great event 👇

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NIRWN @nirwn.bsky.social · 28/05/2025

‼️Closing Friday‼️

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NICVA @nicva.org · 28/05/2025

🆕 New cross-border funding now open! The Shared Island Civic Society Fund is offering support for grassroots collaboration across the island — to build partnerships, strengthen connections & work on shared challenges. 🗓️ Apply by 27 June 🔗 tinyurl.com/4bbfbh8c #GrantTracker #FundingNews

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NIRWN @nirwn.bsky.social · 20/05/2025

We are hiring!! Development Officer WBB Key duties: 🔎Identify & recruit rural women to participate in WBB 📝 Assist in developing plans for meeting the NIRWN targets 📱Organise training venues, logistics & transport as required to support delivery 👩‍💻Complete & upload all relevant data

WE ARE HIRING
JOIN OUR TEAM
RURAL DEVELOPMENT OFFICER
WOMEN BREAKING BARRIERS
APPLY NOW
For further details contact:
info@nirwn.org
NIRWN
Northern Ireland
Rural Women's Network
WOMEN BREAKING BARRIERS
CLOSING DATE FRIDAY 30H MAY
AT 1PM
Funded by
UK Government

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NIRWN @nirwn.bsky.social · 23/05/2025

In Armagh today with Lord Paul Murphy who is leading an independent review of the Withdrawal Agreement & its effectiveness Sense checking with Civil Society & creating the mechanisms with which to so is critical if we are to thrive post EU Exit Thank you @ccbscrossborder.bsky.social for convening.

Glorious view of the Armagh Cathedral this morning

Centre for Cross Border Studies Coaster marking their critical role maintaining conditions for N/S cooperation since GFA and it has arguably never been more vital

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NIRWN @nirwn.bsky.social · 21/05/2025

👀 International Law? Human Rights?

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NIRWN @nirwn.bsky.social · 21/05/2025

#BlueSkyDays Sometimes the stars align so that your work day feels less ‘worky’ and you get to witness your pals showcasing their expertise at the ‘worky’ bit and then you ALSO get to have a lunchtime dander around the glorious walled garden with @alexadotm.bsky.social and Dr Ciara Fitzpatrick

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NIRWN @nirwn.bsky.social · 20/05/2025

It’s my annual armchair #ChelseaFlowerShow expert era. ‘I think that deserved more than silver-gilt’ ‘It needs more diversity in the top-left border’ etc etc Gorgeous, relaxing escapism🌷🌺🌹 Getting warmed up for my armchair Wimbledon expertise in June 🎾 😜

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Elaine Crory @elainecrory.bsky.social · 20/05/2025

I'm so grateful to @irishnews.com for letting me get these things off my chest, because while nobody should be threatening elected reps, nor should they be careless with their words about the rest of us.

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Katy Hayward @katyhayward.bsky.social · 20/05/2025

There's a new #UK-EU relationship a-brewin' and I've made a couple of slides to mark the occasion. Nothing fancy. First a very simple overview of the essence of what was announced y'day, and - crucially - what underpins it. 1/3

A simple summary of key points from the three parts of the deal: Joint Statement, Common Understanding, Security & Defence Partnership + Political agreements that oiled the wheels. Pl msg me if you'd like the text.

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NIRWN @nirwn.bsky.social · 20/05/2025

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NIRWN @nirwn.bsky.social · 19/05/2025

#MondayMood There is no one way, there is only your way ✨

SEVEN REMINDERS FOR THE WEEK.
Please remember, you are more amazing, than you will ever realise.
The ending is unwritten, you can change it any time.
Don't compare yourself to others. There is no one way.
There is only your way.
You are enough. And you have always been enough.
Every little thing about you is pure magic.
How you feel about yourself, is what matters the most.
Self-love isn't about doing everything perfectly; it's about showing up for yourself, even on the tough days.
@words_by_wilde_road

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NIRWN @nirwn.bsky.social · 15/05/2025

Are you following our pals @cfni.bsky.social? Look at this video demonstrating some of their fabulousness 👇 #CommunityFoundation

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NIRWN @nirwn.bsky.social · 11/05/2025

#SundaySunshine If there’s anything better than baby snuggles and magical baby toes I don’t know what it is 👼 🦶

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NIRWN @nirwn.bsky.social · 07/05/2025

#DreamTeam A great day today; making plans with #TeamNIRWN always energises me and today part of our planning was about a new team member and project as well as our usual strategic planning -watch this space as we launch in early June 🎉 #DreamBigWorkHard

media.tenor.com

a group of women are cheering in front of a sign that says vegas show

Alt: a group of women are cheering

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NIRWN @nirwn.bsky.social · 28/04/2025

NIRWN @UlsterUni for a @jrf_uk.bsky.social seminar on "Poverty & Disability: The Pathways to Work" where we discussed the anticipated impact in NI of the UK Government’s Pathways to Work Green Paper and explored operational and policy options and the impact of changes to Disability benefits.

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Reposted by NIRWN

Alexa (dot) Moore @alexadotm.bsky.social · 18/04/2025

Live in Northern Ireland? Want to support trans rights? Use our online tool to send an email to your MLAs! The more voices we have speaking up for trans communities, the better. Share with your friends and family 🏳️‍⚧️ www.rainbow-project.org/transrights/

rainbow-project.org

Take Action Now: Stand Up for Trans Rights - The Rainbow Project

Take action to support trans rights in the wake of this week's Supreme Court judgement. Use our handy email tool to write to your MLAs.

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NIRWN @nirwn.bsky.social · 17/04/2025

☀️ What a beautiful sunny day to be driving to the Mournes and Newcastle for a visit to one of our newer member groups. CEO Deborah Boden and staff made our Engagement Officer, Paula feel very welcome. Lots of exciting plans were made! #Visible #Influential #Valued

View of the Mournes from Newcastle Main St

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NIRWN @nirwn.bsky.social · 14/04/2025

Shocker! Media and political narrative rarely align with the evidence based facts. Most people want to work. Most people would like to be able to afford the basics for themselves and their families.

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Reposted by NIRWN

NIRWN @nirwn.bsky.social · 09/04/2025

✨We are Recruiting✨ A brand new job working with the brilliant #TeamNIRWN. Could this be the opportunity you are looking for? #JobFairy #Rural #Women Feel free to share with friends/family/on your socials 🫶

WE ARE RECRUITING
ABC Co-Ordinator (Animate-Build-Connect)
NI Rural Women's Network is recruiting for an
ABC Co-Ordinator to co-ordinate our Access to
Resilience Project
Part time - 21 hours, 3 Years Fixed Term
Salary: £20,399 - 21 hrs (£34, 000 F/T) + 6% pension contribution
CLOSING DATE FOR RECEIPT OF APPLICATIONS:
WEDNESDAY 23 APRIL 2025 AT 1PM
To request an application pack please email Teresa at
info@nirwn.org.
NIRWN
Northern Ireland
Rural Women's Network
Dormant
Assets NI
Delivered by
THE NATIONAL LOTTERY COMMUNITY FUND

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NIRWN @nirwn.bsky.social · 09/04/2025

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NIRWN @nirwn.bsky.social · 08/04/2025

Thank you to long time NIRWN pal Maciek Bator who delivered a 5 wk polish culture workshop in Armagh with rural women. We explored different aspects of Polish culture from finishing with Polish culture costumes and cookery. There was plenty of conversation & learning #PL20NI

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NIRWN @nirwn.bsky.social · 07/04/2025

Women are being FAILED: Childcare Strategy ❌ Gender Equality Strategy❌ Anti Poverty Strategy❌ Disability Strategy❌ Women's Health Strategy❌ LGBTQIA + Strategy❌ All awaiting NI Executive action Many for YEARS. Many just needing sign off. It is not accidental it is deliberate & conscious failure.

Women have done more than enough.
We have taken the risks. We have gained the degrees. We have made the bold moves. All while caring for children, aging parents, our schools, churches, and community. The real question is: When will men, companies, and governments finally meet us where we are?
Until then, let's retire the narrative that women need to work harder, be more strategic, or accumulate more experience capital. Women are not the problem. The system is. And it's long past time for the real stakeholders to take responsibility.
- Blessing Oyeleye Adesiyan
Founder & CEO, The Care Gap Executive Director, Caring Africa
Care Gap

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NIRWN @nirwn.bsky.social · 04/04/2025

#FridayFeeling May your in tray be light and your tea/coffee/iced latté mocha Frappuccino be just how you like it What a gorgeous spell of weather we are having ☀️ Wishing you a weekend of joy with your favourite people (and doggos 🐾)

media.tenor.com

a golden retriever wearing sunglasses is smiling .

Alt: a golden retriever wearing sunglasses is smiling .

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NIRWN @nirwn.bsky.social · 02/04/2025

✨We Are Hiring✨ We are recruiting for a new, exciting role within our NIRWN Team to support us to increase the capacity of rural women's groups regionally. The ABC (Animate-Build- Connect) Co-Ordinator will co-ordinate our Access to Resilience Funded 3yr Project. #JobFairy Shares Welcome

NIRWN
ABC (Animate-Build-Connect) Fund Co-ordinator
NI Rural Women's Network (NIRWN) is recruiting for an ABC Fund Co-Ordinator to co-ordinate our Access to Resilience Fund Project.
We are seeking a person to join our staff team to support NIRWN to increase the capacity of rural women's groups regionally in NI.
You will have primary responsibility for the effective delivery, monitoring and evaluation of the rural ABC Project.
To apply please request an application pack via email info@nirwn.org or telephone 028 8675 8655.
Location: NIRWN Unit 5, 20 Sandholes Road, Cookstown BT90 9AR. (hybrid working possible in agreement with employer)
The post holder will be required to travel regularly across NI to fulfil this role
Hours: Part time - 21 hours. 3 Years Fixed Term
Salary: £20,399 - 21 hrs (£34, 000 F/T) + 6% pension contribution
Responsible to: Director
Closing date for applications: 23 April 2025 at 1pm.
Dormant Assets NI
Delivered by THE NATIONAL LOTTERY COMMUNITY FUND

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NIRWN @nirwn.bsky.social · 02/04/2025

📣 Amplify your message 📣 FREE online communications training as part of our ‘Visible, Vocal, Valued’ Women’s Programme. Use the QR code to book your space. This is a great opportunity to pick up tips and vital skills on how to influence and articulate your views.

NOTHING ABOUT US WITHOUT US
Amplifying the voice of grassroots woren
Visible, Vocal, Valued Women's Programme
FREE Online Communications Training with Future Spark Coaching!
Provider: Maire McGrath, Future Spark Coaching
Course: Communications training, exploring all things media
- how to influence and articulate your views
Date & Time: Wednesday, 9th April | 10:00 AM - 12:00 Noon
Location: Online
Book your place by scanning the QR code below.
Please contact Rosie McCreanor if you have any difficulties:-rmccreanor@communityfoundationni.org
Or copy this link to book:
https://bit.ly/FutureSparkCommsTraining
Book here
FutureSpark
Coaching
ignite opportunity
The
Community Foundation
Northern Ireland

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NIRWN @nirwn.bsky.social · 21/03/2025

#FridayFeeling May your in tray be light and your tea/coffee be just how you like it ☕️ Grateful for some gorgeous spring weather, beautiful sunsets and stunning moon; wishing you some pockets of peace to enjoy them.

media.tenor.com

a sunset over a body of water with the sun shining brightly

Alt: a sunset over a body of water with the sun shining brightly

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NIRWN @nirwn.bsky.social · 20/03/2025

🏆 Hummingbird Awards🏆 We are Belfast City Hall today as we have been nominated for the ‘Allyship’ award with Community Foundation NI and our fab Women’s sector colleagues Falls Women’s Centre & @reclaimtheagenda.bsky.social for our brilliant ‘Nothing About Us Without Us’ project. #Allyship

L-R
P McAliskey, NIRWN
S McCrory, Falls Women’s Centre
L Coyle, NIRWN
D Shackels CFNI-Lead
D Roberts, Reclaim the Agenda

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NIRWN @nirwn.bsky.social · 18/03/2025

#TimelineCleanse It’s been a tough news cycle today, if you need a little reprieve here is half a minute of gorgeous Donegal magic from yesterday 🌊 #SoundUp and #Breathe

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NIRWN @nirwn.bsky.social · 14/03/2025

🎉We have been shortlisted!🎉 Thank you to whoever nominated us for this award. We are looking forward to participating in the @MidUlster_DC Arts, Culture and Community Awards. Lovely news in the inbox. #EqualityDiversityInclusion #Visible #Influential #Valued

Mid Ulster District Council
ARTS, CULTURE & COMMUNITY AWARDS 2025
CONGRATULATIONS
You have been shortlisted as a finalist at the Mid Ulster
Arts, Culture & Community Awards 2025
You are invited to join us in The Burnavon Theatre, Cookstown on Tuesday 25 March at 7pm.
Dress smart casual.
Please RSVP
to chair@midulstercouncil.org
by 14 March 2025 with any special dietary requirements.
Comhairle Ceantair
Lár Uladh
Mid Ulster
District Council

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NIRWN @nirwn.bsky.social · 14/03/2025

#FridayFeeling May your in tray be light and your tea/coffee/welcoming the bank holiday beverage be just how you like it ☘️ Grateful for the shift in energy; for good friends, for unexpected kindnesses and for solidarity & sisterhood ✨ To all of us who are doing our best.

Them: ‘what do you do for a living?’
Me: ‘my best, I do my best.’

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NIRWN @nirwn.bsky.social · 11/03/2025

#IWD25 Another of our member groups supported to host their own #IWD25 event. Knitted Knockers had a great social evening together, crafting and decorating glasses with glitter. Most of their time is usually spent creating for others. #Visible #Influential #Valued and sparkly✨

Knitted Knockers group collage of their craft evening

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NIRWN @nirwn.bsky.social · 10/03/2025

#MondayMood May the sun keep shining on all your endeavours. Keep going, you have everything it takes to succeed.

Keep going despite your doubts. Small steps will get you there

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NIRWN @nirwn.bsky.social · 05/03/2025

Thank you to the Joint Secretaries of the British-Irish Intergovernmental Secretariat for always including rural women and inviting myself and Charmain to their annual Reception for St Patrick’s Day ☘️ A joy to catch up with fab pals and make new connections. #Visible #Influential #Valued

A pic collage of Louise & Charmain NIRWN with clockwise:
Atlas Women’s Centre pals; Siobhán Harding WSN, Karen, Women’s Aid Federation; Ellen Finlay.
Also a pic of shamrocks

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NIRWN @nirwn.bsky.social · 05/03/2025

✨Connected✨ NIRWN brought two groups of unpaid carers together for an afternoon of Watercolour painting workshops & lunch. An opportunity to encourage peer support and new friendships. Some said they had never received any social support before. #Visible #Influential #Valued

Collage of photos including participants and their creations

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NIRWN @nirwn.bsky.social · 28/02/2025

#FridayFeeling May your in tray be light and your tea/coffee/beverage of choice be just how you like it! Grateful this week that today marks our first daylight past 6pm and this morning feels so sunshiny-Spring is on her way 🎉

media.tenor.com

a group of llamas are standing in a grassy field in front of a fence .

Alt: a group of llamas are standing in a grassy field in front of a fence . One Llamas is enthusiastically bouncing around the field

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NIRWN @nirwn.bsky.social · 28/02/2025

🚘 Beep Beep 🚘 Rural is on the road again today. This time we are off to Parliament Buildings, Stormont with our members who are making representation today at the Women’s Parliament Watch live from 1pm niassembly.tv/live-stream-1/ #Rural #Women #Visible #Influential #Valued

Photo of car full of fabulous rural women on a sunny morning.

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NIRWN @nirwn.bsky.social · 21/02/2025

#FRIDAYfeeling May your in tray be light and your tea/coffee/beverage of choice be just how you like it. May you also know the magic I had yesterday meeting my beautiful granddaughter. No matter how much stress there is; life is really all about the magic of our special people✨🫶

Baby’s wearing a pink cardigan using her whole hand to grip a finger

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Raise Your Voice @raiseyourvoiceni.bsky.social · 19/02/2025

Raise Your Voice is a collective led by @wrda-team.bsky.social with partners @reclaimtheagenda.bsky.social, Women's Support Network and @nirwn.bsky.social. RYV is advised by the Anti-Sexual Harassment Forum which includes trade unions, LGBTQ+, feminist, youth, and community groups and organisations.

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