#NoExcuse. UNiTE to end violence against women

University of Galway is joining with 15 third level education institutions in Ireland as part of the global campaign - 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence.

The campaign gets underway today Monday November 25^th - the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women.

The initiative will highlight the urgent need to eliminate violence against women and girls, underscored by this year’s theme: Every 11 Minutes, a Woman is Killed. #NoExcuse

Dr Helen Maher, Vice President of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, said: “Universities have a responsibility not only to educate but to create safe and inclusive spaces for all. Our campaign on gender-based violence reflects our commitment to raising awareness, supporting survivors, and fostering a culture of respect and accountability. This is informed by research, policy and practice to ensure a comprehensive and collective approach to build a community where everyone feels safe and valued.”

Niamh Kavanagh, Sexual Violence Prevention and Response Manager at the University of Galway, said: “The University of Galway was delighted to collaborate with Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) and SVH (Sexual Violence and Harassment) colleagues from 16 higher education institutions across the country to have a meaningful sectoral response for this campaign.”

The 16 Days of Activism campaign runs until December 10th (Human Rights Day). It was launched in 1991 by the Women’s Global Leadership Institute as a call to prevent and eliminate gender-based violence worldwide.

Now, with the backing of the United Nations Secretary-General’s UNiTE by 2030 to End Violence against Women campaign, universities, organisations, and individuals around the globe are joining the cause.

University of Galway calls upon students, staff, and the wider community to participate in these 16 Days of Activism to foster a world where no woman or girl lives in fear of violence.

How to Get Involved:

• Promote Zero Tolerance: Use your voice to spread a message of zero tolerance for violence against women and girls.
• Engage Leaders: Advocate for policies that enforce zero tolerance towards violence and protect women’s rights.
• Support Local Women’s Organisations: Donations and volunteer support are critical to the success of these organisations.
• Share Awareness Using #NoExcuse: Amplify the message on social media, in schools, workplaces, and communities.

The national campaign at third level includes University of Galway; Atlantic Technological University; Dublin City University; Dundalk Institute of Technology; IADT- Institute of Art, Design and Technology; Mary Immaculate College; Munster Technological University; Maynooth University; South East Technological University; Technological University Dublin; Technological University of the Shannon; University College Cork; University College Dublin; University of Limerick; Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland and Trinity College Dublin.

Read more about University of Galway’s 16 days of Activism against Gender Based Violence schedule of events here: https://www.universityofgalway.ie/equalityanddiversity/sexualviolenceandharassmentpreventionandresponse/16daysofactivismagainstgenderbasedviolence/

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