Debate contribution: International Women’s Day 2026

Debate contribution by Ms Diana Armstrong on 3 March 2026.

MLA

Ms Diana Armstrong

Party at the time

Ulster Unionist Party

Date

3 March 2026

Type

Debate contribution

Business

Private Members' Business

Heading

International Women’s Day 2026

Assembly identifier

Official Report component 5434934

Read the official Assembly record

Text

I thank the Women's Caucus for the event that it hosted this morning. I am pleased to support the motion, which marks International Women's Day 2026. The motion reflects something that women have long understood: when we invest in one another and when we share opportunity and lift one another up, everyone benefits. That spirit of generosity and shared progress is at the heart of what we are recognising today. When I spoke in the Chamber on International Women's Day last year, I was the only woman MLA in the Ulster Unionist Party grouping. I remain the sole woman in the grouping, but I now serve as deputy leader of the party. That journey reminds me that barriers can be broken. It also reminds me that none of us can do that alone. I am grateful for the strong women and men who have supported me along the way, including many women in the Chamber. The Assembly rightly recognises the leadership and contribution of women in every sphere of life. Leadership is found in our hospitals, where women make up the majority of the health and care workforce; our schools; our voluntary and community organisations; our businesses; and our charities. It is found in the women who hold families and communities together, often without recognition or reward. Research consistently shows that, when women are educated, employed and empowered, communities thrive, economies grow stronger, health outcomes improve and children achieve more. Equality is not a favour that is extended to women; it is an investment in society as a whole. While we celebrate progress, we must also be honest: much remains to be done. The gender pay gap persists; women are still under-represented in senior leadership roles, on boards and in political life; girls from disadvantaged backgrounds face barriers that have nothing to do with their ability or ambition; and women from minority communities, disabled women and those in rural areas experience layered inequalities that demand our attention. International Women's Day must be both a celebration and a call to action. I particularly welcome the motion's recognition of

"organisations that equip and encourage women to stand for election"

and to advance in their chosen profession. Many women who step forward do so because someone invested in them, gave them confidence and skills or simply reassured them that they were ready. That work matters, and it deserves our support. We must also speak clearly about the abuse faced by women in public life and beyond. Online and in-person harassment is designed to silence women and drive them out of debate. It is not simply an attack on individuals; it is an attack on democracy itself. We must stand unequivocally with women whose voices are targeted and say that they will not be silenced. We cannot ignore the stark reality of violence against women and girls. The strategic framework to end violence against women and girls is not optional; it is essential. Violence against women is not a private issue; it is a public health crisis and a human rights issue. Every woman and girl deserves to live free from fear, coercion and harm. Today, we celebrate the women who broke barriers, who changed laws, who led movements, who built businesses, who cared for families and who persevered in the face of challenge. We celebrate the women in the Chamber and those watching from home. Let our celebration renew our resolve. Let it strengthen our commitment to building a Northern Ireland where every woman and girl can live safely, participate fully and realise her potential. Equality strengthens us all. Together, let us ensure that progress continues not just in words but in action. I commend the motion to the Assembly.

617 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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