Stand Up, Speak Out: My Life Working for Women's Rights, Peace and Equality in Northern Ireland and Beyond

by Monica McWilliams

By the age of ten, Monica McWilliams was dispensing payouts in her granny’s post office, book-keeping for her cattle-dealer father and leaving no one in any doubt that she could stand up for herself. She went on to break the mould in so many ways, as a woman, as an activist and as a politician. In this frank and fascinating memoir, she tells her extraordinary story for first time.









Now Emeritus Professor of the Transnational Justice Institute, Monica also chairs the Governing Board of the international NGO Interpeace and has worked with and for women in conflict societies including in South America and the Middle East. She is author of a number of journal articles, essays and reports on family and sexual matters; domestic violence; and human rights in Northern Ireland. This is her first book. 









Anyone interested in Ireland, ending conflicts, making lasting peace, defending human rights, women in politics and feminism will love this book.



Hillary Clinton









As co-founder of the Northern Ireland Women’s Coalition, Monica McWilliams undoubtedly played one of the most pivotal roles in the Northern Ireland peace process. This is a stunning read ... one of Ireland’s greatest women activists.



Bertie Ahern









An unmissable memoir of a soaring hope for justice and peace, and of shocking misogyny. Women are so often written out of the history they make; women like Monica McWilliams make their voices heard, with humour and grace.



Lyse Doucet, BBC chief international correspondent









 

Genres: History, Politics

Hardcover

First published November 18, 2021

Reviews

[Lise · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic account of a life and work motivated by improving the lives of women. Great insight into the peace process of the 1990s in Northern Ireland. Unputdownable!

[Molly Leyden · Rating 3 out of 5]

Finally!!!!!! Started this book in Corrymeela, carried it through Corfu/Albania/Austria/California in my Baggu, & brought it home to GR. Slowly read bits & pieces of this dense, dense historical novel, finally finishing two months later.

So much information, sometimes too much information, but a delight to read nonetheless. Wild to read about NI initiatives, places, and people I know/love. This woman blazed some serious trails. Keep it up, Monica McWilliams!

[Megan Milburn-McAlister · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the pleasure of hearing Monica McWilliams speak at a seminar on St. Brigid’s Day, and I immediately purchased her book and have read it alongside my Irish Studies graduate work this semester. Hearing her first hand experiences of The Troubles, her early activism, and then organizing the Women’s Coalition from a coffee shop is truly fascinating and inspiring. Her activism goes beyond the Good Friday Agreement and the last few chapters are essential reading for anyone who believes the peace process is complete in Northern Ireland. There is so much work to be done, and this book is an important piece of history. I feel honored to have heard her speak and can’t recommend this book enough!

[Ross · Rating 5 out of 5]

A well-recounted and extremely readable account of Monica McWilliams’ work towards women’s rights, peace and equality.

[Patrick Taggart · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read!