30/01/2025
New 'Power To Change' Campaign To Tackle Gender-Based Violence
A new campaign has been launched in Northern Ireland to address gender-based violence. The initiative, spearheaded by the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI), the Department of Justice, and the Executive Office, calls on men and boys to actively challenge harmful behaviours and attitudes towards women and girls.
The campaign emphasises the disproportionate role men play in perpetrating violence against women and girls.
Statistics reveal that between January 2019 and December 2024, 32 women and girls were killed by men in Northern Ireland, with 92 attempted murder offences against female victims recorded between December 2018 and November 2024.
"This is about empowering men and boys, not isolating them," said Chief Constable Jon Boutcher. "The bottom line is that they have it, we all have it, the Power to Change. It's time that we men reflected on our own behaviours and attitudes – and those of our friends, family and colleagues - towards women and girls in order to prevent offending and make our society a safer place."
"Women are not responsible for preventing harassment or misogyny against them. For too long we have communicated ways in which they can keep themselves safe. It's not right.
"Yes, not all men behave in an inappropriate way towards women and girls but at some point all have stood back and said nothing while it's happened right in front of them. "What can men do? Power to Change asks them to think about the impact their behaviour or their friend's behaviour has on women and girls, and how to step in. Be the person who has that quiet word with a friend or checks if the woman is ok. Encourage them not to do something that they regret.
"This campaign is holding up a mirror to harassing and degrading behaviours that impact women and girls in our communities and focuses on a solution - it's up to men to step up now and to stop offending before it starts."
The 'Power to Change' campaign focuses on two key elements: challenging harmful attitudes and behaviours, and empowering "Active Bystanders" with the skills to safely intervene in inappropriate situations.
"A zero-tolerance approach to abuse, misogyny and harassment is essential and that can only be achieved when each of us steps up and intervenes when we see examples of inappropriate behaviour," said Justice Minister Naomi Long.
The campaign will utilise social media, targeted ads, and public advertising across Northern Ireland to reach its target audience. A dedicated website, powertochange.info, provides information on inappropriate behaviours and offers interactive resources, including scenario-based quizzes, to help individuals understand how to safely challenge misogynistic attitudes and behaviours.
"The 'Power to Change' campaign is another important step forward in our collective effort to end violence against women and girls," said First Minister Michelle O'Neill.
Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly added: "We need to focus on prevention and tackling the underlying causes of violence before it starts and this campaign is part of that wider society approach."
The campaign emphasises the disproportionate role men play in perpetrating violence against women and girls.
Statistics reveal that between January 2019 and December 2024, 32 women and girls were killed by men in Northern Ireland, with 92 attempted murder offences against female victims recorded between December 2018 and November 2024.
"This is about empowering men and boys, not isolating them," said Chief Constable Jon Boutcher. "The bottom line is that they have it, we all have it, the Power to Change. It's time that we men reflected on our own behaviours and attitudes – and those of our friends, family and colleagues - towards women and girls in order to prevent offending and make our society a safer place."
"Women are not responsible for preventing harassment or misogyny against them. For too long we have communicated ways in which they can keep themselves safe. It's not right.
"Yes, not all men behave in an inappropriate way towards women and girls but at some point all have stood back and said nothing while it's happened right in front of them. "What can men do? Power to Change asks them to think about the impact their behaviour or their friend's behaviour has on women and girls, and how to step in. Be the person who has that quiet word with a friend or checks if the woman is ok. Encourage them not to do something that they regret.
"This campaign is holding up a mirror to harassing and degrading behaviours that impact women and girls in our communities and focuses on a solution - it's up to men to step up now and to stop offending before it starts."
The 'Power to Change' campaign focuses on two key elements: challenging harmful attitudes and behaviours, and empowering "Active Bystanders" with the skills to safely intervene in inappropriate situations.
"A zero-tolerance approach to abuse, misogyny and harassment is essential and that can only be achieved when each of us steps up and intervenes when we see examples of inappropriate behaviour," said Justice Minister Naomi Long.
The campaign will utilise social media, targeted ads, and public advertising across Northern Ireland to reach its target audience. A dedicated website, powertochange.info, provides information on inappropriate behaviours and offers interactive resources, including scenario-based quizzes, to help individuals understand how to safely challenge misogynistic attitudes and behaviours.
"The 'Power to Change' campaign is another important step forward in our collective effort to end violence against women and girls," said First Minister Michelle O'Neill.
Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly added: "We need to focus on prevention and tackling the underlying causes of violence before it starts and this campaign is part of that wider society approach."
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Alliance Celebrate Position Of NI's Female Politicians
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"We deserve every seat we have at every table" – Alliance North Belfast MLA Nuala McAllister has said to mark International Women's Day. McAllister paid tribute to her fellow party colleagues and celebrated the work they do in making Northern Ireland a safer, more gender equitable place for women.
24 April 2023
New Programme To Inspire Girls To Pursue Maths
A new programme to inspire girls in Northern Ireland to continue their pursuit of maths has been launched by Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) and professional services firm PwC. The aim of the Maths4Girls programme is to increase engagement and interest levels of girls aged 11-14 in maths because this opens-up high-impact STEM-related careers.
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PSNI Launch New Violence Against Women And Girls Action Plan
With women and girls in Northern Ireland disproportionately affected by violence, abuse and intimidation, the PSNI has formally launched its first Tackling Violence against Women and Girls (VAWG) Action Plan for policing.
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30 November 2022
Alliance Backs Ulster GAA's 'Never Cross The Line' Campaign
The Alliance Party has endorsed an Ulster GAA campaign to raise awareness of violence against women, emphasising how important it is that people "never cross the line".
Alliance Backs Ulster GAA's 'Never Cross The Line' Campaign
The Alliance Party has endorsed an Ulster GAA campaign to raise awareness of violence against women, emphasising how important it is that people "never cross the line".
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:Heavy rain with strong to gale force southerly winds, locally severe around the east coast. Drier and brighter conditions then developing in the afternoon with a scattering of showers. The strongest winds will ease during the afternoon, albeit remaining breezy. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Breezy with clear spells and a few showers. These showers may be occasionally heavy in the west, however becoming fewer later in the night and dry in the east. Minimum temperature 6 °C.