top of page

NEWS


Gleno event celebrates International Day of Rural Women with focus on wellbeing and community
L-R Claire McNair, Ballyclare Ladies Farm Forum, Ashleigh Magee, Gillian Dawson, Suzanne Pullins, Interim Chief Executive, NHSCT, Yvonne Carson, Rural Health and Wellbeing Manager, NHSCT and Anna Simms, Ballyclare Ladies Farm Forum, More than sixty women from across rural communities gathered at Gleno Young Farmers Hall to mark the International Day of Rural Women, at an event organised by the Northern Health and Social Care Trust (NHSCT) in partnership with Ballyclare Ladies
Nov 19, 2025


Co Antrim’s McCaughran shines bright at Ulster Hall with dominant Title win
County Antrim boxer Zoe McCaughran – crowned the new IIBU Lightweight Champion Carrickfergus boxer Zoe McCaughran has been crowned the new IIBU Lightweight Champion after a superb performance at Belfast’s iconic Ulster Hall on Saturday night (8 November), capping off a triumphant evening for the Evolution Boxing Club team. Facing a strong and experienced opponent in Aoife Connor, McCaughran displayed her trademark composure, determination and technical skill from the opening
Nov 9, 2025


Enterprising Women Winter Showcase returns to Ballymena this weekend with festive local flair!
A celebration of female entrepreneurship and local creativity will take centre stage this weekend as Enterprising Women MEA hosts its highly anticipated Winter Showcase at Fairhill Shopping Centre, Ballymena , on Saturday 8 November from 9am to 4pm . Following the success of last year’s event, this year’s showcase promises to be “bigger and better than ever” , with 17 talented local traders bringing an array of handcrafted gifts, festive treats and creative products — just i
Nov 6, 2025


Northern Ireland women left ‘on tenterhooks’ after multiple miscarriages, Queen’s study reveals
Women in Northern Ireland who have suffered multiple miscarriages face profound emotional distress, isolation and guilt, according to a new study led by Queen’s University Belfast. The research, published today in BMC Women’s Health, sheds light on the experiences of women across Northern Ireland who were treated for miscarriage, revealing how social stigma and a lack of adequate support leave many feeling devastated and alone. The study, led by Dr Áine Aventin, Senior Lectur
Nov 4, 2025


Brave doctor waives anonymity to speak out on domestic abuse horror in Northern Ireland
Domestic abuse survivor, Iwona Giza A 28-year-old doctor from Northern Ireland has bravely waived her right to anonymity to speak publicly about the horrific abuse she suffered at the hands of her former partner — and to encourage other victims to seek help. Iwona Giza, a qualified medical doctor , says she has chosen to share her story as Domestic Abuse Awareness Month draws to a close, hoping that others living in fear will find the strength to come forward. On 23 October 2
Oct 29, 2025


Breaking barriers in agriculture: MLA calls for action on Women in Farming Report
Farmers Margaret little & Delene Shannon alongside Diana Armstrong MLA and UFU President William Irvine Fermanagh and South Tyrone MLA Diana Armstrong has urged the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) to act on key recommendations from the Breaking the Grass Ceiling report, calling for faster progress in achieving gender equality across Northern Ireland’s agricultural sector. Speaking after attending the Women in Agriculture Conference at Loughry
Oct 25, 2025


Ballymena optometrists launch new dry eye service to support women’s eye health on World Menopause Day
Fitzsimons Opticians’ senior optometrist and director, John Broderick, undertaking an eye examination A Ballymena optometry practice is marking World Menopause Day with the launch of a new dry eye service aimed at improving women’s eye health during menopause and perimenopause. Fitzsimons Opticians, based on William Street, has invested in state-of-the-art diagnostic technology to help identify and treat dry eye syndrome — a condition that experts say can affect more than hal
Oct 14, 2025


“Be the change”: Mayor Leah Kirkpatrick shares powerful message on motherhood and politics
Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Ulster Unionist Party (UUP) Councillor Leah Kirkpatrick Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Ulster...
Oct 11, 2025


Networking, confidence and growth: Enterprising Women launches Autumn/Winter programme
Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Councillor Jackson Minford, pictured with from left, Christine Barnhill, MEABC, Paula Fallon, Soul Essence,...
Sep 30, 2025


Reforms will tackle domestic abuse and gender-based violence – Minister Long
Justice Minister Naomi Long Justice Minister Naomi Long has announced a sweeping package of reforms aimed at tackling domestic abuse,...
Sep 29, 2025


PSNI marks three years of tackling VAWG plan with over 5,000 arrests
The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) has marked three years since the launch of its Tackling Violence Against Women and Girls...
Sep 27, 2025


Paracetamol and autism: UUP’s Butler says ‘facts must come before fiction’ in healthcare debate
Ulster Unionist Party (UUP) Deputy Leader Robbie Butler has criticised US President Donald Trump for spreading “grossly inappropriate”...
Sep 25, 2025


5 years of giving: Ballymena Baby Bank marks milestone and celebrates making a difference
Some of the Ballymena Baby Bank volunteers Ballymena Baby Bank, formerly known as Baby Basics, proudly celebrated its fifth anniversary...
Sep 24, 2025


UK Health Secretary dismisses Donald Trump’s claims linking paracetamol use in pregnancy to autism
UK Health Secretary Wes Streeting appearing on Tuesday morning (23 September 2025) on ITV’s Lorraine Health Secretary Wes Streeting has...
Sep 23, 2025


Rural Melody Ladies Choir reunites for a new season of song and friendship
The Rural Melody Choir pictured with Northern Trust Chief Executive, Jennifer Welsh. The Rural Melody Ladies Choir is preparing to raise...
Sep 11, 2025


TV | Girl Fight: BBC Northern Ireland series follows female MMA fighters in Ballymena
From left: Niamh McNeill, Rachel McIlhagga and Chloe Crozier A new BBC Northern Ireland documentary series is set to shine a light on the...
Sep 3, 2025


Navigating the Menopause: FREE workshop for women in Mid & East Antrim
Women across Mid and East Antrim are being encouraged to take part in a free menopause awareness session in Larne Town Hall this...
Aug 19, 2025


Call for consistent sentencing to tackle violence against women and girls – Beattie
Ulster Unionist Party Justice spokesperson Doug Beattie MC MLA Ulster Unionist Party Justice spokesperson Doug Beattie MC MLA has called...
Aug 6, 2025


Vicky Pattison speaks out on PMDD and medical misogyny – Health Secretary agrees to meeting
Vicky Pattison: “You are led to believe that every other woman in the country is dealing with this… and you are weak for not being able...
Jul 22, 2025


Support grows for new Baby Loss Certificate acknowledging loss before 24 weeks
More than 300 people have already responded to a new public consultation aiming to introduce a Baby Loss Certificate Scheme in Northern...
Jul 6, 2025
bottom of page
