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Her Story Made History - Monica McWilliams

Monica McWilliams was one of only two local women who were at the table during negotiations which led to the Good Friday Agreement of 1998. Lyse Doucet hears her story.

First of five special podcasts marking the centenary of the first women in the UK gaining the vote. Lyse Doucet interviews remarkable women from across the world who are making a real impact on the democratic process in their countries.

Monica McWilliams was one of only two local women who were at the table during negotiations which led to the Good Friday Agreement of 1998. Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Chief International Correspondent Lyse Doucet visits Belfast to hear her story. "How could we be locked out," Monica asked, "when we have been tramping the streets and the communities for 30 years and saving children from being killed ... and then not to have any voice?"

This five-part series features in-depth interviews with remarkable women about the relationship between women and democracy, on the 100th anniversary of the first time British women won the vote. Lyse travels across the globe, meeting women from Saudi Arabia, Afghanistan, Liberia and Iceland to discover that the victory of 1918 in Britain has continued to resonate through the century. She hears reflections from some of the world's most influential women's rights activists, including former presidents, and shares her own experiences in reporting from some of the most troubled regions.

Producer: Ben Carter
Researcher: Louise Byrne.

Release date:

32 minutes

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