WOMEN'S Coalition co-founder Monica McWilliams and Derry Girls writer Lisa McGee have been recognised at an awards ceremony in Dublin.
The Irish Tatler Women of the Year Awards, in partnership with Women’s Aid, were held at the Clayton Hotel in Dublin at the weekend.
The annual awards are intended to celebrate the achievements of women in a range of fields including public life, film and sport.
Former assembly member Monica McWilliams was inducted into the Irish Tatler Hall of Fame while Ms McGee scooped the award for film and drama.
Derry Girls was a major hit when it screened on Channel 4 earlier this year and the cast recently started filming a second series.
Set in Derry during the Troubles, the film follows the fortunes of a group of teenage friends in the highly acclaimed coming of age comedy.
Ms McGee spoke of her delight at winning the award on Twitter.
“It was an honour to be in the same room as so many brave and inspirational women,” she said.
Ms McWilliams is a veteran of the political scene in the north and a strong supporter of the Good Friday Agreement.
After leaving politics she was appointed full-time Chief Commissioner of the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission.
A long-standing advocate of women’s rights she, she is currently a professor at Ulster University.
The woman of the year overall award went to the Repeal campaign – which campaigned for the introduction of abortion in the Republic – while the Irish Hockey Team picked up the woman of the year sport award.
Vicky Phelan received the special recognition award for her efforts in helping those affected by the Cervical Check scandal in the Republic.
Host and businesswoman Norah Casey said the awards were a celebration.
“2018 has been a particularly poignant year for women all over the world, but tonight’s awards are a celebration of remarkable Irish women and their persistence in history-breaking, mettle testing and heart-shattering moments,” she said.
"Across their many fields, they have nothing short but moving, empowering and galvanizing.”
