Women’s Policy Group NI Calls for Stronger Action on Flags, Emblems and Paramilitary Influence

24 September 2026 - The WRDA led Women’s Policy Group (WPG) NI has submitted evidence to the Assembly Committee for Infrastructure's inquiry into the proposed Display of Flags and Emblems Bill, highlighting the harmful impact of paramilitary influence on women and girls across Northern Ireland.

Drawing on research involving more than 1,200 women, the WPG's submission outlines evidence linking paramilitary influence to violence against women and girls, coercive control, intimidation, barriers to reporting abuse, and wider gender inequality.

The WPG supports the overall intention of the Bill, particularly efforts to reduce the public display of flags and emblems associated with proscribed organisations and to create safer, more inclusive shared spaces. However, the organisation has raised concerns about how the legislation will be enforced in practice and whether statutory agencies will have sufficient resources to implement it effectively.

The WPG has called for greater clarity on enforcement mechanisms, more frequent reviews of the legislation's effectiveness, and measures that address the role of those directing the display of flags and emblems, rather than only those carrying out the activity.

-ENDS-

Contact:
Elaine Crory, Women's Sector Lobbyist, WRDA
elaine.crory@wrda.net