"Women are the driving force in conflict resolution and social media is revolutionising our role"

EESC Vice-President, Jane Morrice, was one of the panellists at the Global Media Forum, an international Congress organised by 'Deutsche Welle' in Bonn. Together with four other panellists she debated the topic 'Empower women with a # - new ways to sustainable conflict resolution'

Fifteen years ago, the United Nations adopted Resolution 1325 - on women, peace and security, a landmark move which demanded the active involvement of women in conflict prevention and resolution. Today, the internet and social media have given women new means to express their voices against injustices. Examples such as #BringBackOurGirls have shown that hashtags work across borders and create awareness.

Jane Morrice recalled her active involvement in the Northern Ireland peace process, helping set up a Women's political party in 1996 and becoming Deputy Speaker of the new NI Assembly after the Peace Agreement. It was a time when UN Resolution 1325 had not been adopted, social media did not exist and the internet was in its very early stages.

Describing the role played by women in conflict resolution, Jane Morrice distinguished between peace-keepers - security forces - peace-makers - politicians and diplomats - and peace-builders - civil society in general and women in particular. She insists that all three are equally important and should be equally supported, resourced and encouraged

Looking back, Jane Morrice acknowledged that social media such as Twitter and Facebook would have made her life and those of her female comrades easier. "Instead of climbing lampposts, knocking doors and getting 'dogs abuse' from opponents and other political observers, it would have been much easier to find allies and spread ideas around Northern Ireland via social media". She is also convinced that women should find ways to encourage men to support gender quality at every level.

She also warned that social media is only a tool for facilitating the process. The real power, she said, lies in women themselves and she called on women to be self-assured and make themselves heard. "Persistence and self-confidence pay. Speak up and don't worry about the consequences!"

The Northern Ireland troubles had been raging for almost 30 years. More than 3 000 people had been killed and many more injured. A group of women decided to form their own political party - the Northern Ireland Women's Coalition (NIWC). Jane Morrice was among its founder members. In six weeks the NIWC became the 9th political party in Northern Ireland and got two women elected to the peace negotiations. Two years later the historic 1998 Good Friday/Belfast Peace Agreement was reached.