At the Good Friday Agreement 25 Conference in Queen’s University Belfast, 25 women, or their representatives received the Chancellor’s Awards for Civic Leadership.  The event recognised and celebrated the pivotal role of women’s leadership in politics, peace-making and public life.

The event was hosted by the Queen’s Gender Initiative (QGI), founded in 2000, an entity that works to enhance the participation, progression and visibility of women across the university.  Professor Karen McCloskey (QGI Director), welcoming guests and colleagues to the event in the Great Hall said,

‘… there is no better way to enhance that visibility than today’s event which is all about recognising and celebrating the role of women in leading change across all elements of society - locally, nationally and internationally.’

 ‘… whether it has been in politics or policing, in the back rooms or on the world stage, women - mothers, daughters, wives and partners have had a substantial and long-lasting impact on the peace process.  We read in the ancient text, which reflects on seasons of living, there is a ‘time to be born, a time to speak, a time to love and a time of peace’.  Thank you for using your voices, your wisdom and your courage.’ 

Ahead of the awards ceremony, an ‘in conversation panel’ took place with three women who have been at the forefront of leading change, Secretary Hillary Rodham Clinton (Former Secretary of State, former Senator and Queen’s first female Chancellor),  Ambassador Melanne Verveer (Executive Director of the Georgetown Institute for Women, Peace and Security and former Ambassador for Global Women’s Issues) and Dame Louise Richardson (renowned academic leader and President of the Carnegie Corporation of New York).

Following the Q&A, guests enjoyed lunch and conversations, renewing acquaintances and building new connections.

Secretary Hillary Clinton addressed the audience, recognising the significant contribution of the 25 nominated women in Public Service and Civic Leadership. 

There was a great sense of celebration and pride, as each woman, or their representative(s) came forward to receive their medals from the Chancellor.

Chancellor’s Award for services to the Community and Civic Leadership:

• May Blood, The Baroness Blood MBE (posthumous award)
• Dr Loretta Brennan Glucksman 
• Lady (Sylvia) Hermon 
• Dr Avila Kilmurray 
• Professor Mary McAleese 
• Lyra McKee (posthumous award)
• Liz O'Donnell 
• Professor Meghan O’Sullivan
• Dawn Purvis  
• Dr Amanda Sloat 
• Ambassador Nancy Soderberg 

 Chancellor’s Award for achievement in Public Service and Civic Leadership:

• Eileen Bell CBE
• Bairbre de Brún
• Arlene Foster, The Rt Hon the Baroness Foster of Aghadrumsee DBE 
• Dr Judith Gillespie CBE
• Carmel Hanna 
• Mary Harney  
• The Rt Hon Mrs Justice Siobhan Keegan DBE
• Professor Monica McWilliams 
• Dr Jane Morrice 
• The Rt Hon Dr Mo Mowlam (posthumous award)
• Nuala O’Loan, The Baroness O’Loan DBE MRIA
• Dr Mary Robinson 
• Bríd Rodgers 

A Chancellor’s Award for services to Community and Civic Leadership for Eileen Paisley, The Baroness Paisley of St George’s, to be awarded at a later date.