Alliance MLA Kellie Armstrong has said we must continue to #PressForProgress as women across Northern Ireland stand together to mark International Women’s Day.
The MLA for Strangford, and newly appointed Alliance Chief Whip, added that despite it being 100 years since the Representation of the People act gave some women the right to vote, in 2018 change is still on-going, with International Women’s Day putting the focus back on the barriers that remain.
Kellie Armstrong MLA said: “I look around and I am inspired by the amount of women taking positions of leadership across Northern Ireland’s political and civic society – yet I recognise how far we still have to go.
“I feel inspired by the women around me and am delighted to see so many women within my own party take on key positions – from Belfast Lord Mayor Nuala McAllister, to High Sheriff Carole Howard, our Leader Naomi Long, Party Vice Chair Kate Nicholl and all others who are leading by example when it comes to pressing for progress in 2018.
“Alliance is an inclusive, progressive party, which has created the right conditions and inspiring these strong, capable women to step forward. But there’s still more we can do and Councillor Kate Nicholl and Councillor Sian O’Neill are already encouraging and empowering the next generation of women in politics through our new womens’ group – but across wider society we face an even bigger task.
“With many barriers still remaining – from childcare to the gender pay gap – it is essential that those of us who can, do. Just imagine the change we bring in a year.”