Debate contribution: International Women’s Day 2026

Debate contribution by Ms Paula Bradshaw on 3 March 2026.

MLA

Ms Paula Bradshaw

Party at the time

Alliance Party

Date

3 March 2026

Type

Debate contribution

Business

Private Members' Business

Heading

International Women’s Day 2026

Assembly identifier

Official Report component 5434926

Read the official Assembly record

Text

I welcome the opportunity to speak in support of the motion and thank the Women's Caucus for bringing it forward. It is right that the Assembly recognises the contribution and leadership of women across every sphere of life in advance of International Women's Day. When women are given the opportunity to lead, society benefits. When women's talents are enabled, rather than constrained, the quality of life improves for everyone — economically, socially and democratically. As Members of the Northern Ireland Assembly, we see that impact every day. Women are leading in our schools, driving innovation in our businesses, sustaining our health service and holding communities together, often while carrying a disproportionate share of caring responsibilities. Their leadership is not abstract; it is practical, visible and transformative. However, recognising contribution must not become a substitute for delivering equality. The motion rightly acknowledges that much remains to be done. The gender pay gap persists. Society continues to undervalue work that is traditionally done by women. Childcare costs remain a significant barrier to participation and progression. If we are serious about equality of opportunity, affordable childcare must be treated as a core economic infrastructural priority, not as an add-on. As a side note, given that it is World Book Day this week, I am reading a wonderful book called 'The Moment of Lift' by Melinda Gates. I recommend it to everyone. It is from 2019. A lot has happened to that poor woman since that time, but the work that she has done on the global stage is really inspiring. On the issue of childcare and some of the other societal issues, we also face an unacceptable reality of abuse — I think that the two Members who spoke before me both referred to this — as women in public life. In our positions of responsibility, we face intimidation and harassment simply for using our voices. That abuse is designed to silence and deter us, and, unfortunately, it is getting worse, instead of better, for us all. Amplifying the voices of those who are subjected to abuse means more than expressing solidarity; it requires action, stronger enforcement, cultural change and practical support. No woman should feel that participation in public life comes at the cost of her safety or dignity. I echo the motion's commendation of the organisations that equip and encourage women to stand for election and progress in their chosen fields. Those initiatives matter. They challenge the structural barriers — financial, cultural and practical — that still inhibit representation. A democracy functions best when it reflects the society that it serves. The Assembly's support for the strategic framework to end violence against women and girls is particularly important in that regard. That framework must be more than a statement of intent. It must be properly resourced, genuinely cross-departmental and focused on prevention as well as response. Short-term funding cycles for routine front-line services create instability where stability is most needed. Ending violence requires sustained commitment. International Women's Day 2026 is, of course, a moment for celebration, but it is also a moment for reflection. Celebration without accountability risks complacency. Progress has been made, but progress is neither inevitable nor evenly distributed. True equality means dismantling structural barriers, embedding fairness in our budgets and policies and ensuring that section 75 duties shape decision-making in a meaningful way. It means recognising intersectional disadvantage and ensuring that women from minority ethnic backgrounds, disabled women, LGBTQ+ women and working-class women —

— are not left behind.

581 words. Text as published by the Northern Ireland Assembly.

Assessment

Not flagged

Jev’s structured answers

Assessed 21 October 2026 at 15:02 UTC by jev-1.13.0 (requested as typesafe/jev) under rubric 2026.10-r9, methodology 1.9.

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