This ambitious project was part of the CAF's Peace II funded Active Citizenship programme and ran from January to June 2007. The project used drama and creative writing to engage with women who had been activists during the Northern Ireland conflict.

Participants included trade union representatives, ex-combatants, former members of the security forces and human rights and community activists.

The programme culminated in a publication featuring the participants' prose and poetry (available to download at the side of this page or in hard copy on request). Short scenes from the publication were performed at a five public events.

This project was the most challenging element of the Active Citizenship programme due in part to the personal nature of the subject matter. The workshop sessions raised issues for many of the participants and a strong recommendation was that counselling services should be attached to any project which involves such deep levels of engagement with participants.

Quotes from participants:

"The budding artist is in us all just waiting to explode on the stage or through our creative writing. CAF brought these talents and hidden desires to the fore and the women involved will ensure that women will have a place and a voice in influencing policy makers on social and political issues."

“I found the course, at times, to be emotionally draining but also very rewarding. We listened to each other and respected each other. At no time was I uncomfortable in the group. I thoroughly enjoyed and gained so much from this experience. I would certainly participate in another cross community project as this was a very positive and rewarding.”