About us
WRDA’s vision is of a fair and equal society where women are empowered and are a visible force for change and influence in all areas of life.
Our Mission
WRDA works regionally to advance women’s equality and participation in society.
Ethos & Values
Our belief that all women have the right to dignity, equality and respect is at the heart of the WRDA’s work.
We work from a feminist perspective, informed by women’s experience, recognising that inequality is based on and sustained by structures and systems that limit personal choice and freedom.
We believe that women’s rights are central and implicit in the pursuit of human rights for all.
We believe that mainstreaming alongside positive action is a core element in advancing women’s equality.
We promote and practice participation, inclusion and collaboration, which builds solidarity as a means to effect social change in all the work we undertake.
WRDA represents the interests of the sector in an informed and authoritative manner and offers leadership and support.
The WRDA recognises and values the multiple roles of women in society and promotes respect for diversity.
We recognise that women face particular challenges as a part of a society emerging from a conflict situation and provide support to women from all communities.
We subscribe to the principles and endorse the implementation of the Convention on the Elimination of all forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), UN Security Council Resolution 1325 ‘Women, Peace and Security’ and other international commitments promoting women’s rights.
Strategic Plan 2026-2030
Our Strategic aims for 2026-2030 are:
Empowerment and Tackling Inequalities: To develop the capacity of women from disadvantaged urban and rural communities to tackle inequalities affecting them.
Policy and Advocacy: To advance women’s equality and participation in all aspects of policy and decision-making.
Leadership and Infrastructure Support: To provide leadership, infrastructural support and advocacy within the women’s sector.
Organisational Development: To strengthen the capacity of the organisation to carry out its role effectively.
You can find out how we have put our strategic plan into action by reading our Annual Report 2025.
The history of WRDA
The Women’s Resource and Development Agency began life in 1983 as the Women’s Education Project. Read more about our history by clicking the link below.
Our Funders
Through the generous support of funders we have been able to make a real difference for women in the community. We are very grateful to those who have supported us. We also thank past funders and those who wish to remain anonymous.
If you are interested in making a grant or fundraising for us, contact our Communications and Membership Worker on 028 90 230 212.
If you would like to find out more about our funding please read our Annual Report.
WRDA receives funding from the below organisations:
Our Partnerships
Women’s Regional Consortium
We work with six other leading women’s organisations in the Women’s Regional Consortium to give a real voice to women in disadvantaged urban and rural areas.
Our partners are:
Training for Women Network (TWN)
Women’s Support Network (WSN)
Northern Ireland Rural Women’s Network (NIRWN)
WOMEN’STEC
Women’s Centre Derry (WCD)
Foyle Women’s Information Network (FWIN)
Women’s Spaces
We work with three other leading women’s organisations to deliver an innovative programme strengthening women’s capacity to take their rightful place as leaders in society..
Our partners are:
Women’s Support Network (WSN)
Northern Ireland Rural Women’s Network (NIRWN)
Women’s Platform
Maternal Advocacy and Support Project (the MAs)
We work with six women’s centres to provide maternal mental health support to women who are pregnant and/ or who have children up to the age of 3.
Our partners are:
Falls Women’s Centre
Windsor Women’s Centre
Ballybeen Women’s Centre
Atlas Women’s Centre
Women’s Centre Derry (WCD)
Strathfoyle
Women Breaking Barriers
We work with ten women’s organisations and women’s centres to engage women in training and skills development through an employment support programme.
Our partners are:
Women’s Support Network (WSN)
NI Rural Women’s Network
Reclaim the Agenda (RTA)
Atlas Women’s Centre
Ballybeen Women’s Centre
Falls Women’s Centre
Greenway Women’s Centre
Footprints Women’s Centre
Shankill Women’s Centre
Windsor Women’s Centre
Raise Your Voice
We work with three women’s organisations to create true cultural change in order to tackle the root causes of sexual harassment and sexual violence and empower people to act to in their own lives.
Our partners are:
Women’s Support Network (WSN)
NI Rural Women’s Network
Reclaim the Agenda (RTA)
Staff Representation
WRDA staff are represented on a range of boards and organisations promoting a gender perspective:
Policy and Advocacy
Women’s Policy Group
Northern Ireland Women’s Budget Group
Rural Women’s Policy Forum
Childcare for All
Equality Coalition
Health Inequalities
Belfast Community of Interest for Mental Health Promotion and Suicide Prevention
North Down and Ards Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Community of Interest
Leadership and Infrastructure Support
NICVA Executive
Government/Community and Voluntary Sector Joint Forum
Board of Northern Ireland Rural Women’s Network
Board of Northern Ireland Women’s European Network
Forum for Adult Education Northern Ireland
Join us!
For more than three decades WRDA has been a champion of women’s rights. Our fortunes have fluctuated over the years but our commitment to feminist principles has never wavered. We remain completely committed to achieving a fair and equal society where women are empowered and are a visible force for change and influence in all areas of life. If you would like to join us consider applying for membership. Our membership is free and is open to all women and gender diverse people as well as groups.
Work with us…
If you’re interested in working with us, whether that be a career, volunteering or a collaboration, get in touch and we can have a chat about current opportunities.