The interview was conducted by Dr. Christine Bertram, Head of the Adult Education Team at the National Agency at Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training, and Melanie Lynch, Founder of HerStory.

Please briefly introduce yourself and your organisation.

Melanie: 
My name is Melanie Lynch and I’m the Founder of HerStory. The Herstory movement tells the stories of modern, historic and mythic women. Our mission is to give the public authentic female role models and a game-changing education programme, inspiring countries around the world to start their own Herstory movements.   
 

How do storytelling and creative methods, as used in the Peace Heroines project, contribute to peacebuilding, and what impact does this have on fostering understanding and reconciliation? In what ways have you already noticed a change in the discourse (and the curriculums)? 

Melanie: 
To quote the master storyteller Colum McCann; "The one true democracy we have is storytelling. It goes across borders, boundaries, genders, rich, poor - everybody has a story to tell."
 

In general, what role do women play in the peace movement in Northern Ireland, and how has this role evolved over time? 

Melanie:
Women from all walks of life played a pivotal role in the Northern Ireland peace process and continue cross-community dialogue and reconciliation projects today. They did everything from supporting victims of sectarian violence to lobbying politicians, founding integrated education, starting cross-community projects, organizing mass peace marches, and inspiring women to participate in political and public life.
 

"The story of the Women's Coalition is largely not visible, not because women get written out of history...they never get written in" - Bernadette Devlin McAliskey

Melanie: 
Many of the NI peace women continue their activism today, not just in Northern Ireland but around the world, bringing their wisdom and experience to women and peace movements in Bosnia, Georgia, Afghanistan, Sudan, Cyprus, Congo, Columbia, Palestine, the Philippines, Guatemala, Kenya, United Nations and more.
 

Could you briefly introduce the Peace Heroines project and explain its main objectives? 

Melanie: 
The Peace Heroines project was sparked by a timely conversation at the United Nations back in 2019. When I met with Ireland's Ambassador to the UN Geraldine Nason-Byrne she explained to me that the role of women in the Northern Ireland Peace Process is a key United Nations case study. I reached out to our school contacts and they confirmed that this essential story is not taught on the official school curriculum in Northern Ireland or the Republic. 

Our new Peace Heroines project aims to change that and introduce students and the public to these legendary activists and inspire the next generation of peace builders. It’s time to write herstory into history.
 

How have the "Peace Heroines" influenced the peace process in Northern Ireland, and what challenges have they faced along the way? 

Melanie: 
Ordinary women with extraordinary courage, they faced daily threats to their lives and the lives of their families. Many overcame struggles with poverty, poor education, and personal tragedy to work together for peace. 

US Senator George Mitchell was the Chair of the multi-party talks that led to the Good Friday Agreement and he said that “the Women’s Coalition in particular focused on reaching an agreement as opposed to focusing on ‘can I get this for my community, can I get that...’ They understood their role to be to help to bring about peace more than just advancing the cause of one community or another.”
 

What is the significance of remembering the contributions of the“Peace Heroines“ for the current generation and political education? 

Melanie: 
From the Congo to Columbia, international peace delegations at the United Nations learn about the impact that Northern Irish women made to what is widely considered to be one of the most successful peace processes in the world. 

At home on the island of Ireland it’s essential to remember and share the stories of the Peace Heroines because peace and reconciliation is an ongoing process and we need to pass the baton to the next generation.
 

How can educational programs like “Peace Heroines“ help prevent violent and demeaning behaviour in social life? 

Melanie: 
Because they show an alternative story and the possibility of peace in the most violent situations.  Saidie Patterson said; ‘Peace can never come through violence. You need a superior idea in your head and love in your heart.’
 

In what ways can the lessons learned from the Peace Heroines be applied to other regions experiencing conflict? 

Melanie: 
As the Ukraine - Russia and Gaza – Israel wars continue, causing immeasurable suffering and destabilising Europe and beyond; the NI peace process and the pivotal role of women is a powerful story that proves the potential for justice, peace and healing in the most challenging circumstances.

“When you taste peace and you have the prize of peace, there is no going back.” - Professor Emeritus Monica McWilliams

Explore the interactive Peace Heroines exhibition: www.peaceheroines.org