Women’s Caucus Members are pictured with female Youth Assembly Members on the front steps of Parliament Buildings.
The Northern Ireland Assembly Women’s Caucus held an event in Parliament Buildings on Tuesday 18 June with young female Members from the Northern Ireland Youth Assembly.
The event was an opportunity for both groups to share their experiences of interacting within the local political sphere and to discuss mutual challenges and opportunities for women.
The Northern Ireland Assembly Women’s Caucus Chairperson Claire Sugden MLA welcomes Women’s Caucus Members and female Members of the Northern Ireland Youth Assembly to the event.
Speaking after the event, the Chairperson of the Women’s Caucus, Claire Sugden MLA said:
“We were delighted to hear from the young women and to find out more about what motivates them to participate in the Youth Assembly and the very particular challenges they face. Understanding these issues helps inform the work of the Women’s Caucus to address the under-representation of women in politics in Northern Ireland and to encourage future generations of young women to put themselves forward for elected office.
“On behalf of the Women’s Caucus, I’d like to extend our thanks to the Youth Assembly Members for making this an interesting and fun event. I know that we are all looking forward to continued collaboration with them.”
Youth Assembly Member Kiara-Nikolle McLaren addresses attendees at the event.
Youth Assembly Member Kiara-Nikolle McLaren added:
“We were very excited to have the opportunity to meet with the Women’s Caucus to discuss the representation of women in politics here. As young women, we are encouraged and inspired by our female leaders in the Assembly, the Executive and in other top positions throughout Northern Ireland.
“We have a lot to learn from each other and we hope that this event will lead to continued engagement with the Women’s Caucus.”
Youth Assembly Members and Women’s Caucus Members are holding personal items that first inspired them to get involved in politics and pictured with Women’s Caucus Members L-R: Deborah Erskine MLA and Sian Mulholland MLA.
One of the Youth Assembly Members is holding apersonal item that first inspired her to get involved in politics and pictured with Women’s Caucus Members L-R: The Clerk/Chief Executive of the Northern Ireland Assembly Lesley Hogg, Cara Hunter MLA and Women’s Caucus Chairperson Claire Sugden MLA.
Two of the Youth Assembly Members are holding personal items that first inspired them to get involved in politics and pictured with Women’s Caucus Members L-R: Emma Sheerin MLA, Women’s Caucus Deputy Chairperson Paula Bradshaw MLA, Diane Forsythe MLA and Justice Minister Naomi Long MLA.
Four of the Youth Assembly Members are holding personal items that first inspired them to get involved in politics and pictured with Women’s Caucus Members L-R:Assembly Deputy Speaker Carál Ní Chuilín MLA, SinéadEnnis MLA and Sinéad McLaughlin MLA.