IWD2022: 'We need to empower women' says local MLA

OM: Tell us a little bit about yourself and what you do?

CH: I am the SDLP MLA for East Derry. I am originally from Portrush, and I lived in Los Angeles for five years, attended high school there and began my degree in California State University Northridge. In 2016, I attended to John Moores University to finish my studies and graduated in 2017 with a degree in Broadcast Journalism BA (Hons).

When I returned home to Ireland, I worked for Kellogg’s in Dublin in their communications department. I loved it there, but I felt like I wanted to do more to serve my community, so I returned home and ran in my first council election 2019 and won a seat in the Derg DEA.

In 2020, I was the Deputy Mayor for Derry City and Strabane District Council and later moved onto my current role as MLA.

OM: Why did you choose to go into politics?

CH: I had lost someone I loved dearly to suicide, it completely changed me as a person.

The Assembly had just collapsed and I thought how can anyone collapse the Assembly when suicide continues to impact all our communities across the North? I couldn’t grasp it.

I wanted political representatives who prioritised mental health, and that is where I found my political home in the SDLP.

I believe our people deserve correct investment into appropriate, available at point of need mental health counselling and initiatives and that change is too slow.

OM: Why do you think it's important to celebrate International Women's Day?

I think it is important because it is a day to celebrate women and their successes. I think it is a great opportunity to showcase the women in male-dominated spaces whether it be IT, agricultural businesses, construction, politics, engineering, etc.

OM: Have you faced any barriers in your political career due to being a woman?  If so, how did you overcome them?

OM: I think entering politics aged 23 meant you were open to a lot of chauvinistic comments. There’s a lot of doubt if you have the intellect, maturity or political understanding.

I always disliked that. Everyone has a comment on how you should dress, but no-one would say that to a man. When campaigning there can also be an uncertainty as you knock the doors of strangers at all hours of the night.

OM: What are you most proud of achieving?

CH: Bringing forward a successful motion in the Assembly on calling upon the Justice Minister to introduce a comprehensive strategy to address violence against women and girls to include legislative provision making misogyny a hate crime.

IWD2022: County Derry twins making mark in male-dominated industry

The Cartin twins from Claudy always knew they wanted to do a trade.

OM: What's the most important piece of advice you have ever been given?

CH: The power of listening. I think in politics there is a lot of talking – but if we listened more, I believe it is then we would find more solutions through dialogue.

My politics has always been centred on helping everyone regardless of their background or how they identify. I really love to hear their stories, where they come from and why the feel the way they do.

OM: Are there any women you are inspired by?

CH: Monica McWilliams. She’s played so many positive roles in our history here from a peace activist, human rights defender and a former politician who founded the Women’s Co-oalition. She has devoted her life to improving policies around domestic abuse, childcare and pushing for more women in politics.

OM: What would you change about the world for women if you could?

CH: Free childcare. This would change women’s lives. I believe if we really care about a fair and equal society, childcare should be free. Accessible childcare is a huge barrier to women excelling in public life and leadership roles.

OM: What do you think is the biggest issue today facing women of your age?

CH: I think social media has placed incredible pressure on young women to be perfect and look perfect all the time. It normalises a false reality, and young people can’t escape it as your phone follows you everywhere. Our children grow up with Instagram now.

I hope in years to come our education is fit-for-purpose and age appropriate to teach young people the dangers of social media with self-esteem, cyberbullying and the importance of body confidence.

Professor Siobhan O'Neill is one of Cara Hunter's preferred dinner guests.

OM: How do you believe we can challenge gender inequalities?

CH: Effective education in schools that celebrates women, highlights the importance of equality and effective relationship education teaching young people about healthy and happy relationships.

OM: On International Women's Day, what message would you send out to young women thinking about their careers?

CH: Go for it! You can achieve anything you put your mind to. There will be many challenges, doubters and setbacks, but you will only come out stronger. You’ll always find a woman who has been where you have, walked in your shoes and willing to offer advice and support.

OM: How do you think we can encourage more women to pursue leadership roles in their careers?

CH: We need to empower women to want to go into leadership positions.

At school, I believe they should teach debating skills and confidence building exercises. We need to bring in laws that will allow for maternity leave for MLA’s, Councillor’s and MP’s.

Without it, I fear we will lose some of our best and brightest minds. If we want more women in leadership roles and to stay in these roles, we need to look at how we can improve working environments to meet the needs of women.

Stormont for example, has a bar but not a crèche. These institutions were male dominated for years so they never had to modernise, I believe now is the time to change.

OM: If you could have dinner with three women, living or dead, who would they be, and why?

CH: Maya Angelou – I find her inspiring. He resilience, her faith, strength and ability to write.

Prof Siobhan O’Neill – I think her work as NI Mental Champion has been committed to improving the lives of all who live here. It is inclusive and encourages people to speak up and reach out for help if they’re struggling.

Pat Hume – To say thank you for her commitment to the role she played in the peace process.

IWD2022: Magherafelt designer 'loving life' as business blossoms

Shauna Kelly says the interior design industry is hugely 'rewarding'.

As part of our Women in Business feature for International Women's Day, Liam Tunney talks to Magherafelt-based interior designer Shauna Kelly about her creative spark, expanding her business and the pull of home.