Mairead NI

Living in the North of Ireland, I am a cultural feminist and democratic socialist who believes in equality for all.

My work is centered on locally led economic development, targeting issues of poverty and unemployment, Domestic Abuse, Coercive Control, and Parental Alienation. I firmly believe in lifelong learning and am committed to the goal of creating a society where equality is the norm for all.

As a cultural feminist and democratic socialist, my beliefs are deeply rooted in the principles of fairness and justice. I measure those with power by the words of William J.H. Boetcker (1873-1962): "Your greatness is measured by your kindness; your education and intellect by your modesty; your ignorance is betrayed by your suspicions and prejudices, and your real calibre is measured by the consideration and tolerance you have for others."

I have been employed by Glenshane Community Development Limited in Dungiven since 1998, honoured to lead so many amazing projects to create job opportunities and improve the lives of those living in the Greater Dungiven area. These include the restoration of Dungiven Castle, environmental improvements to Dungiven Main Street, the construction of Phase II of Glenshane Enterprise Centre, the acquisition of McCloskey House, sustaining the services of Dungiven Community Resource Centre, extending Glenshane House, co-operating on numerous cross border and cross community projects and the Roe Valley/County Leitrim/Ontario Wider Horizons Project.

I am currently Acting Chair of the My Family Matters Foundation Ltd. supporting post-separation families and those dealing with parental alienation, domestic abuse and coercive control. I am also the Vice Chair of Roe Valley Enterprises and Maghera Development Association Limited and I sit on the Board of Causeway Coast & Glens Peace Plus. I am a qualified immigration adviser with the Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner and have previously volunteered as a mentor for the Prince's Youth Business Trust, as a facilitator for the Sentinus Post Primary Employability Skills programme and as an adviser for Young Enterprise on Project Business.

I am grounded in a very loving family with close lifetime friends.