The UK Government has announced a new £100,000 initiative aimed at strengthening women’s participation in public decision-making across Northern Ireland. The programme, known as the
'Engagement for Change Fund', will support community leaders and activists by providing training in leadership, advocacy, and policy engagement.
The three-year fund was unveiled by Northern Ireland Office (NIO) Lords Spokesperson and Parliamentary Secretary in the Cabinet Office, Baroness Ruth Anderson, during a series of International Women’s Day events held across the region.
Designed to empower voices from the community and voluntary sector, the fund will help participants develop the skills needed to effectively represent their communities in discussions with policymakers and government officials. While the programme is open to leaders of all genders, a major focus will be on increasing the presence and influence of women in public debate and policy forums.
Building leadership and advocacy skills
Under the initiative, one voluntary sector organisation will be selected through a competitive process to deliver the programme. The chosen organisation will provide training in areas such as:
- Understanding Northern Ireland’s policy landscape
- Effective communication and advocacy
- Media engagement, including traditional and social platforms
- Network building and stakeholder engagement
- Collecting and using reliable data to support policy arguments
A dedicated workstream will also focus on tackling the barriers that often prevent women from entering or thriving in public leadership and decision-making roles.
Part of wider support for local communities
The Engagement for Change Fund builds on previous community support programmes run by the Northern Ireland Office. These include the 'Connect Fund', which has already distributed £500,000 to community and voluntary organisations, and the £1 million Community Partnership Fund, aimed at strengthening grassroots groups and empowering local communities across Northern Ireland.
Together, these initiatives are designed to amplify community voices and ensure local expertise plays a stronger role in shaping public policy.
International Women’s Day engagements
Ahead of International Women’s Day, Baroness Anderson participated in several engagements highlighting women’s leadership and civic participation.
She visited Strathearn School in Belfast, where female politics students had the opportunity to ask questions about careers in politics and public life. The visit aimed to inspire young women to consider leadership roles in government and civic institutions.
Baroness Anderson also hosted a networking event bringing together women from Northern Ireland’s community and voluntary sectors, providing a platform for collaboration and shared learning.
Her engagements concluded with a visit to the Shankill Shared Women’s Centre, where she met participants from the **Change Makers** programme—an initiative supporting women interested in community development, advocacy, or political involvement.
Supporting women’s voices in public life
Speaking about the initiative, Baroness Anderson emphasised the importance of ensuring women’s perspectives are represented in decisions that shape society.
Baroness Anderson said: “This year’s International Women’s Day theme is ‘Give to Gain,’ so I’m delighted that the NIO’s new Engagement for Change Fund will support women’s representation and participation in decision-making at the highest level.
“Women have always played a critical role in Northern Ireland’s progress, leading their families and communities and influencing positive change.
“Ensuring that their voices continue to be heard and their knowledge and experience is at the forefront of decision making is vital to ensuring a positive and inclusive future for Northern Ireland.”
Next steps for the fund
Over the coming months, the Northern Ireland Office will work with community and voluntary organisations to design the programme in detail. Later this year, established voluntary sector organisations will be invited to apply to deliver the initiative.
Following the selection process, £100,000 will be awarded to one organisation to run the programme over three years.
The Engagement for Change Fund forms part of the UK Government’s Civil Society Covenant commitments, which aim to strengthen civic participation, remove barriers to democratic involvement, and ensure communities have a stronger voice in the decisions that affect their lives.