Young Women from OSCE-established Dialogue Academy conclude study visit to Belfast
Belfast and Prishtinë/Priština, 18 September 2023 - Eight alumnae from the OSCE-established Dialogue Academy alumnae network which gathers young women from Prishtinë/Priština and Belgrade, concluded today a one-week study visit to Northern Ireland.
The aim of the visit, financed by Ireland’s Department of Foreign Affairs, was to foster experience-sharing among participants and peace-building practitioners and undergo a specialist course in conflict resolution and mediation.
“Known for its pivotal role in peace-building through the historic Good Friday Agreement, Northern Ireland offers participants diverse perspectives on the role of women in peace-building, as well as the challenges and opportunities associated to it,” said Ambassador Michael Davenport, Head of the OSCE Mission in Kosovo.
The study visit underscored the paramount importance of inclusivity in conflict resolution and dialogue processes, aligning seamlessly with the Women and Youth Peace, and Security Agendas.
During her engaging presentation, Avila Kilmurray, one of the founders of the Northern Ireland Women’s Coalition, offered a compelling insight into the foundational journey of this political party. She delved into the core principles that underpinned the coalition's mission, emphasizing the pivotal role of human rights, equality, and cross-community collaboration. Avila underscored how each member of the party drew strength from these principles, aligning their efforts toward creating a more inclusive and harmonious Northern Ireland.
The study tour started with a visit to Stormont Parliament Building, where the participants engaged with Member of Legislative Assembly - Andy Alan, who shared his inspiring personal journey as a politician with disabilities. As part of the programme, the group visited the Shankill Women's Centre, a locally-based organization that provides for training, health awareness, childcare, and activities catering to young women in the Greater Shankill area and beyond. During the meeting with representatives of the Northern Ireland Office and the Irish Secretariat in Belfast, participants reflected on the importance of joint efforts for continuously and holistically advancing peace-building and inter-community relations.
"This experience provided me with a wealth of ideas on how I can make a positive difference in my own community. Learning first-hand from experienced peace practitioners illuminated both the strategies to adopt and the pitfalls to avoid," said Dea Fetiu, an alumna from Prishtinë/Priština.
Tamara Milanović, an alumna from Belgrade, said she truly appreciated the opportunity to learn about the methods and mechanisms that the people of Northern Ireland have employed to continuously foster community engagement for peace-building and enhance inter-community relations.
The Dialogue Academy Alumnae also had the opportunity to spend an evening at the office of the Washington Ireland Program, an initiative dedicated to nurturing and empowering emerging leaders. During this gathering, alumni from both programs engaged in fruitful discussions and reflections. They collectively reaffirmed their shared mission: to support and empower young women and men, deeply committed to forging a future characterized by peace and prosperity for their respective societies.
The study tour to Northern Ireland – organized by the OSCE Mission in Kosovo for the second year in a row – has not only broadened the horizons of the Dialogue Academy alumnae but also deepened their understanding and willingness to foster peace-building, inclusivity, and dialogue within their respective communities. This experience will undoubtedly contribute to their personal growth but also inspire their further engagement in the Dialogue Academy Alumnae Network as drivers of positive social change.