The Houses of the Oireachtas commemorates the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement with a showcase of Herstory’s Peace Heroines exhibition to honour the peace women of Northern Ireland.

The exhibition consists of 14 double sided panels along with 9 portraits commissioned and curated by HerStory, celebrating the role of women in the building of peace in Northern Ireland from grassroots up to government levels.

Featuring 30 women’s stories, including Bridget Bond, Monica Patterson, Ruth Agnew, Bernadette Devlin McAliskey, Inez McCormack and Dr Mo Mowlam amongst others.

The panels will be on display in the coffee dock of LH2000 and the exhibition will be in place from Thursday 30th March until the 14th of April 2023.

Central to the exhibition are nine large portraits by the visual artist FRIZ, featuring Pat Hume, Bronagh Hinds, Eileen Weir, Susan McCrory, Saidie Patterson, Monica McWilliams, Pearl Sagar, Anne Carr and Baroness May Blood.

Speaking on the exhibition Ceann Comhairle, Seán Ó Fearghaíl said “I am delighted to welcome this exhibition to Leinster House. It highlights the pivotal role that women played in the peace process in Northern Ireland, and reminds us that peacebuilding work must reflect and represent the whole population in order to deliver lasting and positive peace.”

Cathaoirlech of Seanad Éireann, Jerry Buttimer said “ The Peace Heroines exhibition tells the story of courageous women who acknowledged their diversity and found common ground to work together for peace. These women reached across religious, political and cultural traditions to enable cross-community dialogue and reconciliation. It is fitting that they should be showcased here in Leinster House.