WFWP Ireland _ Event): Visit of WFWP Europe & EUME President to Ireland

From September 15–19, 2025, WFWP Europe President Mitty Tohma, together with Amanda Toumanguelov and WFWP Ireland

leaders, journeyed from Dublin to Belfast, visiting members and community partners along the way. The five-day trip created space for deep listening, shared learning, and reflection on peacebuilding, resilience, and collaboration—guided by openness and a shared purpose.

Day 1 – National Action Plan Launch (Dublin)

A delegation of 5 WFWP representatives attended the launch of Ireland’s Fourth National

Action Plan on Women, Peace & Security (2025–2030) at Iveagh House, HQ of the

Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. The event, attended by around 90 delegates,

reaffirmed Ireland’s strong commitment to women’s full participation in peace processes, and

to gender perspectives across peace and security work.

The Tánaiste, Simon Harris, emphasised that the Plan represents “a statement of values,”

placing women and girls at the centre of conflict prevention, peacebuilding, and

recovery—echoing WFWP’s global vision of women as bridge-builders for peace.

Days 2–3 – Women’s Leadership and Social Challenges

At the National Women’s Council Conference in Dublin, discussions addressed how

homelessness and domestic violence intersect with wider gender issues, highlighting the need

for practical, compassionate policies.

The group also visited, some WFWP supporters, young couples, and the UPF

Ireland leadership—strengthening community bonds and shared purpose across generations.

Day 4 – Peace Research and Reconciliation (Belfast)

In Belfast, meetings with women leaders, including Dr. Fatima Ali Haider, PhD researcher at

Ulster University and co-founder of The Grief Directory. Dr. Haider shared insights on how

academic research, trauma healing, and community-led initiatives contribute to sustainable

peace. The exchange deepened mutual understanding of how women’s empathy, education, and

cross-community engagement can transform division into reconciliation.

Day 5 – Community Voices for Peace

Visits were made to Falls Women’s Community Centre and Black Mountain Community

Centre. Ordinary women co-created and run these centers, facilitating engaging project

storytelling initiatives (such as iMovie spaces) to listen, document, and share authentic peace

stories. The day underscored that peace grows in homes, schools, and local halls, and that female leadership drives genuine, durable peace. The gathering also served as a safe haven for

Catholics and Protestants to pursue lasting harmony, helping to ease unresolved tensions.