UNiTE to end violence against women #NoExcuse

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. This is our second year collaborating on this important campaign.

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

The UNiTE 2025 campaign focuses on one of the fastest-growing forms of abuse: Ending digital violence against all women and girls. This year’s campaign is also a reminder that digital safety is central to gender equality.

Dr Helen Maher, Vice President for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion at University of Galway, said: “As a university community, we are committed to fostering a safe, respectful and inclusive environment for all. Our work on preventing and responding to gender-based violence reflects this responsibility. Informed by research, policy and best practice, we aim to raise awareness, support those affected, and strengthen a culture grounded in dignity, equality and accountability. Through a collective and evidence-based approach, we strive to ensure that every member of our community feels protected, valued and empowered.”

Niamh Kavanagh, Sexual Violence Prevention and Response Manager at University of Galway, said: “The University of Galway is proud to join forces with our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) and SVH (Sexual Violence and Harassment) colleagues from 15 other higher-education institutions nationwide - to deliver a meaningful, sector-wide response to this year’s 16 Days of Activism campaign.Together we are committed to raising awareness, standing in solidarity with survivors, and driving an inclusive culture of prevention, accountability and respect across the education sector.”

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.

What is digital abuse?

Digital tools are increasingly being used to stalk, harass, and abuse women and girls. This includes:

- Image-based abuse/non-consensual sharing of intimate images – often called revenge porn or leaked nudes.

- Cyberbullying, trolling, and online threats.

- Online harassment and sexual harassment.

- AI-generated deepfakes such as sexually explicit images, deepfake pornography, and digitally manipulated images, videos or audio.

- Hate speech and disinformation on social media platforms.

- Doxxing – publishing private information.

- Online stalking or surveillance/tracking to monitor someone’s activities.

- Online grooming and sexual exploitation.

- Catfishing and impersonation.

- Misogynistic networks – e.g. manosphere, incel forums.

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.

- Wear or display the colour orange – a symbol of hope and a future free from violence. Join the 16 Days conversation on social media

The national campaign at third level institutions 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 Sexual Violence and Harassment Prevention and Response Programme of work here and about the 16 days of Activism against Gender Based Violence schedule of events here and via  Instagram and LinkedIn. 

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