Attitudes Toward Women

Welcome to the first episode of the Better Peace Podcast, presented by Chloe and Ellie. The theme for this episode was chosen as, after some discussion, it became clear the issue was frustratingly relevant for girls in the group; today we’re chatting about attitudes toward women and girls. There has recently been some shocking and sobering statistics on violence toward women and girls in Northern Ireland; an Executive Office study found that almost 98% of women surveyed for a report into violence against women experienced at least one form of violence or abuse in their lifetime. In an era deemed more progressive, are attitudes toward women beginning to change? We asked the public what they thought. 

To get a bit more insight on this theme, Chloe and Olivia spoke to Crime Correspondent and leading local journalist Allison Morris. Allison has extensive experience as a journalist and currently reports for the Belfast Telegraph. After more than 20 years in the industry, Allison reflected on the varied forms of abuse she has received over the years as a female journalist, and discussed how this abuse has evolved in the era of social media. They discussed the layers of abuse she receives in the context of misogyny, classism and sectarianism as a female journalist in NI and how more subtle misogyny forms of continue to shine through in the workplace. Despite the negative experiences she has encountered, Allison remains hopeful  

“We have some very powerful women in places of great influence, and right now we have a female First and deputy First Minister. We have two Junior Minsters who are both women so the whole Executive Office is female. This is a real case of you have to see it and you can be it.” 

Chloe and Clodagh interviewed our second guest, Professor Monica McWilliams, peace activist, academic and co-founder of the Northern Ireland Women’s Coalition. Monica discussed the early goals of the Women’s Coalition during the peace negotiations of the 1990s and the sexism they encountered through the process. 

“[they said]… we should have been home looking after babies, and they told us that pretty often.” 

“The only women who should be at this peace table are the women who are going to polish it.” 

Monica discussed the various challenges she faced during her political career, but reminisced on the support received from other women who urged her to continue her struggle.  

Stand Up, Speak Out: My Life Working for Women's Rights, Peace and Equality in Northern Ireland and Beyond (2021). Find out more here. 

Bringing it Out in the Open: Domestic Violence in Northern Ireland (1993).  Find out more here. 

  
“If you’re treating people unequal in one way, you can be guaranteed you’ll be treating them unequal in all ways.” 

Chloe and Clodagh were very impressed with Monica and described her as a ‘feminist icon’ but it is clear from the interview that Monica was also impressed by their passion and interest.  We wrapped up discussions with the group, reflecting on different experiences they had as young women and how they feel attitudes toward women have evolved.  

 
A huge thank you to Jude Hill (Mitchell) and Alan Meban for the production and editing of the Podcast. Another massive thanks to Aoibha Mallon for the amazing podcast soundtrack and finally to our funders. Project supported by the International Fund for Ireland (Our Peace, Our Future fund) and the National Lottery C