Mayo schools urged to join gender-based violence prevention programme

Schools in Mayo are being encouraged to join White Ribbon Ireland’s Post-Primary Schools programme, which supports schools to create safer environments and address harmful gender norms.

Led by the Men’s Development Network, the programme aims to prevent gender-based violence by helping staff promote respect, equality, consent and healthy relationships.

Launched in 2022, the programme now includes 11 schools in Kerry, Dublin, Wicklow, Louth and Meath.

Fredrick Okungu, Manager of the White Ribbon programme in Ireland, said participating schools had reported positive changes in attitudes.

He said approximately 1,300 domestic incidents are reported to An Garda Síochána each week, with 67,000 calls received in 2025.

“We cannot educate our way out of violence after it happens,” Mr Okungu said. “We need to instil a culture of respect and accountability before negative attitudes become entrenched, and so, schools are one of the most important frontlines in prevention efforts.”

He said classrooms offered a key opportunity to challenge attitudes that condone or normalise disrespect and abuse.

The call comes ahead of the White Ribbon Ireland Conference 2026, taking place at the Aviva Stadium on November 19 under the theme ‘Change the Story’.

The conference will include a keynote address from Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration Jim O’Callaghan, three panel discussions, workshops and a White Ribbon Pledge Ceremony.

Minister O’Callaghan said he was determined to confront domestic, sexual and gender-based violence in all its forms. He highlighted recent legislative reforms and further work addressing the impact of extreme and violent pornography on young people’s understanding of healthy relationships and consent.

“Gender-based violence is a scourge in our society,” he said. “The four pillars – prevention, protection, prosecution, and policy coordination - underscore the critical importance of adopting an inclusive, whole-of-government approach, driven by collaboration between departments, statutory bodies, service providers, and civil society.”

He also pointed to the third National Strategy on Domestic, Sexual and Gender-Based Violence, which focuses on prevention, protection, prosecution and policy coordination.

Sean Cooke, Chief Executive of the Men’s Development Network, said schools, workplaces, sports clubs and other community settings all had a role in preventing violence.

“Prevention is, and always will be, the cure,” he said. “People are not born violent; violence is a learnt behaviour. It’s time to unlearn - to teach men and boys that they can be the agents of change, they have a role to play in the prevention of violence against women and girls.”

The organisation has worked with men and boys for 29 years, promoting wellbeing, positive relationships and their role as allies in addressing violence against women.

White Ribbon Ireland also works with businesses, including transport operator Go-Ahead Ireland, whose partnership with the organisation will involve more than 1,000 staff.

The Men’s Development Network has led White Ribbon Ireland since 2010 in partnership with women’s organisations and Cuan, the national agency for domestic, sexual and gender-based violence.

Mayo post-primary schools interested in joining the programme can find more information on the Men’s Development Network website.