Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey today took part in the opening panel at the Ending Violence Against Women and Girls (EVAWG) Bystander Conference at Parliament Buildings.
Speaking at the Conference Minister Hargey said;
“Violence against women and girls is a widespread and deep rooted problem. It has no place in our society and it must stop. Freedom from violence is a fundamental aspect of gender equality.
“We want young girls to grow up in a society where they are safe and can thrive. We want women not to face the constant fear and threat of vile misogyny and abuse. Working together to end violence against women and girls and tackling root causes can improve the health and wellbeing of individuals, families and communities and have a substantial positive impact on the economy and wider society.
“I hope that our discussions here today will generate new learning and ideas on how we as a society tackle violence against women and girls and create energy for us to move forward and build a movement for change together.”
As well as participating in the opening panel, the Minister also had the opportunity to hear from individuals involved in the development and delivery of bystander training and its impact across a range of sectors.
The conference was held as part of a series of engagement events in relation to the development of the Ending Violence Against Women and Girls Strategy. The Strategy will identify actions to tackle violent and abusive behaviour, including crimes and unwanted behaviour in the physical and online world, directed towards woman and girls.
Notes to editors:
- Photo caption: Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey is pictured at the Ending Violence against Women and Girls Bystander Conference where she took part in the opening panel and met with people involved in bystander training.
- The Executive Office is leading on the development of the Executive’s Violence Against Women and Girls Strategy, further information on the strategy can be found here:
- The Department of Communities is leading on the development of the Executive’s Gender Equality strategy and more information can be found at:
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