Welcome to the website of the Centre for Advancement of Women in Politics (CAWP). Formed in October 2000, we are based in the School of Politics, International Studies and Philosophy in Queen's University Belfast. We aim to foster an appreciation of women's contribution to politics, government and public decision making in the UK and Ireland. We consider women's political participation as having two important dimensions - the proportion of women in decision making and the inclusion of women's perspectives in government policies and programmes.

An important part of our work is maintaining an observatory on women's public leadership. Initially, the observatory will give regularly-updated figures on women in parties, government, parliament and local government in the UK and Ireland. Later, we hope to extend this observatory to other important decision making sites.

Our research pages detail various projects we have led and participated in. Also on our research pages are details and information on our Visiting Research Fellowships as well as the full Occasional Paper Series by scholars from across the globe.

In order to enhance women's influence and leadership in public life CAWP has developed and runs a programme to help develop the leadership potential of women to become decision-makers in economic, social and political life. Entitled the 'Next Generation' the programme runs twice a year in January and September. More information and application details can be accessed by clicking on the Next Generation link above.

We invite you to explore our website to find out more about women in political and public life in Ireland and Britain.

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