The Northern Ireland Office has launched a £100,000 fund to support women from Northern Ireland's community and voluntary sector in participating in public decision-making. Baroness Ruth Anderson, NIO Lords Spokesperson and Parliamentary Secretary in the Cabinet Office, announced the Engagement for Change Fund ahead of International Women's Day.

The fund will run over three years. It targets community leaders of all genders to build skills in leadership, advocacy, policy understanding, communication, media engagement, networking, and data use. A dedicated workstream will address barriers to women's involvement in public forums.

One community organisation will receive the funding after a competitive process to deliver the training programme. The NIO plans to consult the voluntary and community sector in coming months to shape the fund's design.

Baroness Anderson stated that women have led families and communities in Northern Ireland's progress. She said ensuring their voices shape decision-making supports an inclusive future.

The fund follows previous NIO efforts, including the Connect Fund with £500,000 awarded to community organisations and the £1 million Community Partnership Fund.

Before the announcement, Baroness Anderson visited Strathearn School to answer questions from female students on political careers. She hosted a networking event for women in the community and voluntary sector. She also met participants at Shankill Shared Women’s Centre in the Change Makers programme for community development and politics.