The real Derry girls and the peace walls that divide their city

Summary

The video follows local peacebuilders and residents in Derry as they work across Catholic–Protestant community divisions around the peace walls. The walls were built amid conflict, and although their removal had been targeted for this year, residents and peacebuilders say that is not realistic. Removing bricks without addressing fear and mistrust could risk renewed violence. They argue that the work is chiefly about changing relationships and attitudes, and must move at a pace communities accept.

Sharing experiences

Women from both communities have shared memories of living through the Troubles, including violence, loss and restrictions on everyday life. Their anonymous words are displayed on a wall, and conversations have helped some participants become friends. Residents describe discovering shared experiences and, in some cases, mixed religious backgrounds in their family histories. Painful memories remain, however, and several people say it takes courage to tell their stories.

Participants also worry that younger people may romanticise the Troubles or inherit hostility toward the other community. Some residents say they grew up with little contact across the divide and do not want their children to carry the same assumptions. Peacebuilders hope older residents can act as role models, while stressing that pushing for barrier removal before people feel ready could deepen mistrust.

Poverty and local support

The report links peacebuilding to economic hardship. Poverty, unemployment and the cost-of-living crisis can make communities vulnerable to antisocial behaviour and sectarian tensions. Paramilitaries may exploit young people’s debts or pay them to take part in activity at interface areas.

Local projects—including a social supermarket, a coffee van and volunteer efforts to improve the neighbourhood—aim to provide practical support and alternatives. Volunteers also describe being intimidated while removing graffiti or working in some areas.

Efforts to involve men have been difficult, although organisers see their participation as important to sustaining change. The broader message is that peace depends on building everyday connections and addressing deprivation as well as physical division.

Presenters and contributors

The people identified are Kyra, Rachel, Karen (the name is unclear in the subtitles), Mary, Nuala, John and Jerry. No presenter is clearly identified.