Biography
Chief commissioner for human rights in Northern Ireland and a founding member of the Northern Ireland Women’s Coalition, Monica McWilliams was a representative in the Northern Ireland Assembly from 1998 to 2003, playing an instrumental role in the multiparty negotiations that led to the signing of the 1998 Good Friday Agreement. As a signatory of that historic agreement, Dr. McWilliams received the National Democratic Institute Award and the John F. Kennedy Leadership and Courage Award. She is also the recipient of the Frank Cousins Peace Award and Boston Immigration Center’s Woman of the Year Award. Also a professor of women’s studies and social policy at the University of Ulster, Dr. McWilliams has written and published extensively on the impact of political conflict and domestic violence on women in Northern Ireland. She has published and distributed materials to help ease sectarian tension in the midst of the political crises of 2002-2003, which included the suspension of the Northern Ireland Assembly.
Monica was re-appointed to the position of Chief Commissioner for Human Rights for one further term from 2008-2012 and in that position delivered the Commission's advice on a Bill of Rights for Northern Ireland in December 2008.
(04.2009)
Read her Spotlight Read more on Monica McWilliams:Clinton Trumpets Role as Irish Peace Builder"
By Marcella Bombardieri,
Boston GlobeJanuary 7, 2008
Contact:
Email: monica.mcwilliams at nihrc.org
Phone: +44 28.9024.3987