Innovative cross-border project comes to an end

The project received a total award of €999,652.63 from the EU’s PEACE IV Programme, which is managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB).

PACT Project participants have undertaken the following: Psychometric questionnaires to sign-post to further online training, online training - both facilitated and self-directed, obtaining an ilm Digital Credential10 women have undertaken and completed an ilm Level 5 Certificate in Leadership & Management, 40 women have undertaken and completed an ilm Level 3 Award in Leadership & Management, yhe development and launch of a Mother’s Toolkit, and six cross-border symposiums.

Patricia Lewsley-Mooney, TWN’s Chairperson stated “TWN were delighted to receive the funding for this project and whilst it had to be changed to suit the climate during the pandemic, the outputs and targets have continued to be met. Our partnership working has been really good and I would like to thank FWIN, QUB and Intercomm for their dedication and commitment.

“Particular thanks must go to The Special EU Programmes Body who have been unwavering in their support of the project. My final word goes to the women who have participated, I know from feedback received that the learning provided has been very beneficial and will enable them to make huge differences within their own communities.”

Gina McIntyre Chief Executive of the SEUPB, said: “One of the unfortunate, but very real, legacies of our past is that many citizens feel pushed to the margins and neglected within our society. They can feel that their voices are not heard and that their opinions are not respected.

“The EU PEACE IV funded PACT project has helped to address this by providing over one thousand women with the skills, understanding and confidence they need to promote meaningful peace and reconciliation within their own communities. It has also created many opportunities for women, on both sides of the border, to mix with and learn from someone from a different background. I would like to congratulate everyone who participated in this project and those responsible for its delivery, particularly during this difficult time.”

Match-funding for the project has been provided by the Executive Office in Northern Ireland and the Department of Rural and Community Development in Ireland.

First Minister Arlene Foster said: “The Executive Office is proud to have supported such a successful cross-border community project through PEACE IV. The Training for Women Network (TWN) and project partners deserve great credit for the successful delivery of this project and the outcomes it has achieved that not only impact positively on the participants, but also on the wider community.

“The PACT project has made such a difference to the lives of many, with over 1,100 women having participated in the programme. Accreditations in areas such as Leadership & Management and Digital Credential have been undertaken, as well as participants being involved in the development and launch of a Mother’s Toolkit. I would like to convey my congratulations and thanks to all the participants for their dedication and commitment throughout this project.”

Deputy First Minister Michelle O’Neill said: “So much has been achieved through the delivery of this innovative project, which has not only benefited the participants, but the wider community. Projects like this have a key role to play in fostering good relations, which is central to the Executive’s Together: Building a United Community strategy.

“It is so encouraging to have women at the forefront of peace building across our island. Working together, within and between communities, to transform society and helping to build a shared future for all.

“TWN and its partners have done an incredible job, overcoming the challenges arising from the pandemic to deliver this project to more than 1,100 women. I have no doubt that their efforts, and the dedication and hard work of all the participants, will have positive impacts in their communities for years to come.”

Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD, said: “I would like to congratulate the Training for Women Network (TWN) and the project partners, Queen’s University Belfast, Foyle Women’s Information Network and Intercomm Ireland Ltd for the successful delivery of the Peace and Conflict Transformation Project which received almost €1m in funding under the EU PEACE IV programme. I am delighted that my Department provided match funding and support to this important project.”