Press release
Wave Goodbye to Dinosaurs available for International Women’s Day
From Department of Foreign Affairs
Published on
Last updated on
From Department of Foreign Affairs
Published on
Last updated on
To celebrate International Women’s Day and to mark the 25th Anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement (GFA), the Tánaiste, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister for Defence, Micheál Martin, has announced that the documentary ‘Wave Goodbye to Dinosaurs’ will be available to screen free of charge on Wednesday 8 March 2023.
The documentary tells the story of the Northern Ireland Women’s Coalition, an all-female, cross-community political party established in Northern Ireland in 1996. The NIWC was formed to contest elections to the Northern Ireland Forum for Political Dialogue as part of the process of negotiations that eventually led to the Good Friday Agreement in 1998.
‘Wave Goodbye to Dinosaurs’ focuses on the conscious decision the Northern Ireland Women’s Coalition made to ensure women were written into, rather than written out of, this moment in history – often in the face of significant opposition and challenge. They had a direct impact on the drafting of the Good Friday Agreement, including ensuring that the suffering of victims of the Troubles was acknowledged and addressed.
Tánaiste Micheál Martin said:
"As we move towards the 25th Anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement, we will rightly acknowledge all of those who played crucial roles in securing the Agreement underpins the process of peace and reconciliation on our island. Fundamental to that peace were, and are, the women who demanded their rightful place at the negotiating table, and who have made immeasurable contributions ever since.
"The Good Friday Agreement was resoundingly endorsed by the people of this island, in both jurisdictions and across all communities. The model NIWC brought together women from all traditions and backgrounds, with different perspectives but united on the need to end violence and create a sustainable pathway to a better future – this is a model that still empowers and encourages us today. This International Women’s Day, I would encourage everyone to take the time to watch this documentary, and ensure that the vital and ground-shifting role of the women of Northern Ireland to the peace process is remembered, celebrated and can inspire others."
The film is available courtesy of film director Eimhear O’Neill, production company Fine Points Films, and world sales company Taskovski Films.