Derry hosts major Northern Ireland youth summit to tackle violence against women

Last week more than 80 youth work practitioners from communities across Northern Ireland came together at the Gasyard in Derry for Include Youth’s “Connected for Change” shared learning event, focused on ending violence against women and girls.

The event organised by Include Youth is part of the Our Generation project, supported by PEACEPLUS and managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB).

The need for action could not be clearer. Research by Ulster University, based on focus groups with women across Northern Ireland, highlights the widespread nature of violence against women and girls and its impact on mental health and social wellbeing.

Dr Susan Lagdon, who was also a keynote speaker at the event, said: “The research findings demonstrate the extensive nature of violence against women and girls living in Northern Ireland as they are exposed to a variety of harmful behaviours from childhood right through to adulthood.”

The event brought together leading voices, specialist expertise and lived experience from across Northern Ireland, with a focus on equipping youth work practitioners with the knowledge, tools and understanding needed to better recognise and respond to the challenges facing women and girls.

Through a series of workshops, practitioners explored key issues including:

·       Surviving Economic Abuse

·       The relationship between addiction and violence against women and girls

·       The realities of domestic abuse

·       Creating meaningful change before violence begins

The morning featured keynote speakers and an expert panel, with speakers sharing their knowledge, research and professional experience on violence against women and girls.

Speakers included Dr Susan Lagdon from Ulster University, Michelle Alonso and Dr Caroline Forde from DVAS, Marie Brown from Foyle Women’s Aid, and Tahnee McCorry from White Ribbon NI, who explored the different experiences and issues affecting women and girls.

Youth Action also performed the drama ‘Behind the Banter’ which explored how harmful attitudes can develop and be challenged, highlighting the importance of accountability, empathy and speaking out to prevent violence against women and girls

In the afternoon, participants took part in practical workshops exploring the four key themes in greater depth, while gaining knowledge and tools to help inform their work with young people.

The event provided a space for learning, sharing experiences and building connections, while strengthening a collective commitment to preventing and ending violence against women and girls.

With practitioners from urban and rural communities and organisations across the community, voluntary and statutory sectors, the event reflected the breadth of youth support services working across Northern Ireland.

There was a clear sense of shared purpose throughout the day: to listen to young people, learn from their experiences and ensure that preventing and ending violence against women and girls remains at the heart of our youth work and practice.

Diane Hill, CEO of Include Youth, said: “Bringing practitioners together to share experiences and learn from one another is one of the most effective ways to strengthen support for women and girls.

“This event provided a valuable opportunity to build understanding, reflect on the challenges being faced and explore how we can respond more effectively. The learning and connections made here will help strengthen practice and the wider support networks that communities across Northern Ireland rely on.”