Uniting
Research and Policy

Monica McWilliams is a distinguished academic, human rights advocate, and co-founder of the Northern Ireland Women’s Coalition. Currently, she serves as Emeritus Professor at Ulster University’s Transitional Justice Institute, where she continues her impactful work in human rights and social justice. 

McWilliams was the Chief Commissioner of the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission from 2005 to 2011, where she was responsible for delivering the advice on a Bill of Rights for Northern Ireland. During her tenure, she played a crucial role in advancing human rights protections and advocating for comprehensive reforms. 

In 1996, McWilliams co-founded the Northern Ireland Women’s Coalition political party and was elected to a seat at the Multi-Party Peace Negotiations, which led to the Belfast (Good Friday) Peace Agreement in 1998. She served as a member of the Northern Ireland Legislative Assembly from 1998 to 2003 and the Northern Ireland Forum for Dialogue and Understanding from 1996 to 1998. 

Her academic contributions are equally noteworthy. Her published work focuses on domestic violence, human security, and the role of women in peace processes. She was the Distinguished Lecturer at the 2010 Women PeaceMakers Conference at the University of San Diego’s Institute for Peace and Justice. McWilliams's work has been published in numerous academic journals and books, providing valuable insights into the complexities of peacebuilding and women's rights. Among her notable publications is the book Women at the Negotiating Table: A Case Study of the Northern Ireland Women's Coalition, which provides an in-depth analysis of her experiences and the role of women in the peace process. 

Monica McWilliams holds a PhD in Social Anthropology from Queen’s University Belfast and is a graduate of the University of Michigan. She has received two honorary doctorates and a special Profile in Courage Award from the John F. Kennedy Library Foundation for her dedication to peace and human rights.