It was during Baroness Foster’s time as a Law student at the University that she took her first steps into politics, joining the Queen’s Unionist Association, where she went on to serve as Chair from 1992 to 1993. Her roles as the first female leader of the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) and the first female First Minister of Northern Ireland, marked a historic milestone in Northern Ireland’s political landscape, long dominated by men.

Speaking of the recognition and reflecting on her time at Queen’s, Baroness Foster said:

"It is an immense honour to be recognised in this way by Queen's University… a place that shaped my passion for politics and my belief in the importance of strong leadership.

“As the first female leader of the DUP and the first female First Minister of Northern Ireland, I've always been conscious of the responsibility to lead by example. Representation matters, and when women see themselves reflected in positions of influence, it sends a powerful message that they too can break barriers, challenge conventions, and achieve great things.”

The painting will form part of the University's renowned Portrait Collection, on display in Queen’s Great Hall, where for over two decades the Queen’s Gender Initiative has been collaborating with the Naughton Gallery to take notable steps to redress the imbalance in representation of influential women connected to the University.

The local artist commissioned to create the painting was Kathryn Warden, who celebrated Baroness Foster’s political achievements and her enduring connection to Queen’s.

The portrait underlines Queen’s commitment to fostering gender equality and promoting the presence of women across all sectors of society, with former President of Ireland Mary McAleese and prominent trade union activist Baroness May Blood already celebrated in artwork at Queen’s. The University also has a critically acclaimed painting ‘Out of the Shadows’ by Michelle Rogers, depicting the role of women right across Queen’s, in place in the prestigious Council Chambers. As part of the initiative, a portrait has been unveiled of leading Dubai businesswoman and Queen’s Honorary Graduate, Her Excellency Dr Raja Al Gurg, and a portrait has been commissioned of  Monica McWilliams.

Baroness Foster added:

“I'm proud to stand alongside so many incredible women as part of this initiative by Queen's to promote gender equality and to recognise the remarkable contributions women make across all fields.”