I started this week by representing Northern Ireland at a gathering of female parliamentarians from across the British Isles and Mediterranean region of the Commonwealth in Edinburgh and I ended the week at the Shankill Women’s Centre where we were recognising the role of women as leaders in our communities.
Whilst the Commonwealth event in Edinburgh was a long way from the Shankill, the two events had a common thread. There were people at both who cared enough about their neighbour that they decided to try and change things and make life better for everyone in their community.
Whilst the women in Edinburgh now hold elected office, most started their life in politics as campaigners for a cause close to their heart. They wanted to see a change made. They believed in a cause.
One such person will be laid to rest later today. Our late colleague, Alderman Beth Adger MBE gave Northern Ireland a life of service. As a mother, she fostered children and gave a home to those in need. As a Councillor, she stood up for what she believed in. A passionate unionist and a strong believer in making Northern Ireland a better place. Today, we remember Beth’s family and friends who grieve her passing and we assure them of our prayers.
There are some who argue that to be a woman in leadership requires quotas or some other artificial aid. I am against such ideas. Hard work and belief in a cause are the character traits of everyone in leadership whether they are male or female or whether they are in business or in public life.
Of course, in Westminster and Stormont, most of our opponents can’t make up their mind about what a woman is. As a long-time supporter of Northern Ireland Women’s football, I am glad there are no such debates in the DUP, and we will never have to debate whether biological men should be playing in women’s sports.
