PEACEPLUS PROGRAMME
The Women’s Reconciliation Project
Building peace, empowering women, and creating meaningful cross-community and cross-border learning opportunities across Northern Ireland and the Border Counties.
At a glance
Funding: Up to £1,615,720
Duration: 4 years
Participants: 1,600 women
Focus: Peace, reconciliation, training, dialogue and progression
About the Project
TWN and project partners were successful in their bid to the PEACEPLUS Programme, Investment Area 1.3: Building Positive Relations, receiving grant funding of up to £1,615,720 inclusive of ERDF and Match.
The Women’s Reconciliation Project is an innovative initiative that brings together community, training and academic partners to establish a holistic educational programme for women in Northern Ireland and the Border Counties.
The project is supported by PEACEPLUS, a programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body. TWN, FWIN, UU, YWIL and associate partner GEMS NI aim to bring women together in a cross-border and cross-community learning environment that supports engagement, positive social change, and long-term peace and reconciliation across the island of Ireland.
The project is supported by PEACEPLUS, a programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB).
Project Goals & Outcomes
The primary objective of the project is to foster peace and reconciliation by addressing historical grievances, promoting dialogue and building mutual understanding among divided communities.
The expected change includes reduced sectarian tensions, increased cross-community engagement, and the empowerment of individuals and groups to contribute positively to a shared society.
The Numbers
1,600
women recruited through local roadshows and networks
1,200
women completing up to 9 accredited training modules
720
women choosing a Peace & Reconciliation pathway
8
cross-community and cross-border symposia
1
final all-island celebration showcasing impact and legacy
Key Targets by 2028
Undertake the OECD Learning Compass 2030 assessment tool by 2028
Undertake assigned training modules by 2028
Participant profile target: 47.5% PUL, 47.5% CNR, 5% BME
Take part in cross-community and cross-border training sessions and activities
Engage across 8 thematic cross-community and cross-border symposia
Progress on to a Peace and Reconciliation pathway
The Participant Journey
A supportive learning pathway guiding women from first engagement through training, dialogue, and long-term peace building impact.
Recruitment & Welcome
– Roadshows introduce WRP
– Training needs analysis (OECD Learning Compass 2030)
Learning Phase
– Up to 9 hybrid training modules
– Themes: equality, communication, traditions, leadership, reconciliation
Shared Dialogue
– Cross-community & cross-border symposia
– Relationship-building through large-scale events
Pathways of Choice
– Trauma, Forgiveness & Legacy
– Public Participation & Altruism
– Arts & Reconciliation
Progression & Celebration
– Accredited certification
– Options for University credit/further study
Graduation & Legacy
– Closing event at Ulster University
– Women commit to peacebuilding futures
Flexible & Supportive
– Blended learning (digital + in-person)
– Co-designed pathways at your pace
– Ongoing mentoring & wellbeing support
Pathways of Choice
Participants can progress into specialist peace and reconciliation themes after completing core learning and dialogue stages.
Trauma, Forgiveness & Legacy
Exploring healing, reflection, memory and the impact of the past on communities today.
Public Participation & Altruism
Encouraging active citizenship, civic voice, volunteering and contribution to shared society.
Arts & Reconciliation
Using creative practice and shared expression to foster dialogue, identity and peacebuilding.
Flexible & Supportive
Blended learning with digital and in-person delivery
Co-designed pathways developed at the participant’s pace
Ongoing mentoring and wellbeing support
Welcoming, collaborative learning environments
Join the journey – empowering women, building peace, and shaping the future.
Project Partners & Supporters
Supported by PEACEPLUS, a programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB).
Interested in the Women’s Reconciliation Project?
Contact Training for Women Network to learn more about the programme, participation opportunities, and related career openings.