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COSHARE

The COSHARE network is affiliated with a broader research collaboration between Ulster University and the University of Galway [Chaired by Dr Susan Lagdon UU & Dr. Pádraig MacNeela UG]. Our collective efforts focus on establishing an all-island comprehensive approach to consent, sexual violence, and harassment (C-SVH) research and practices, encompassing Higher Education and beyond. The primary objective of the COSHARE network lies in facilitating knowledge dissemination through regular gatherings, fostering discussions on the current landscape of C-SVH and its interconnected facets within Higher Education.

The North-South Research Programme is a collaborative scheme being delivered by the Higher Education Authority (HEA) on behalf of the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research Innovation and Science (DFHERIS) and the Shared Island Unit at the Department of the Taoiseach. Research funding for the North-South Research Programme is being provided by the Shared Island Initiative.

Projects from across all disciplines are funded through the programme to focus on delivering an all-island approach to research and innovation. The approach is nuanced by the objectives of the Good Friday Agreement, Sustainable Development Goals, the National Development Plan 2040, and the strategic development of research and higher education. Each funded project is underpinned by the aims of the Shared Island Unit and the NSRP and will serve to strengthen links between higher education institutions, research communities, and researchers across the island of Ireland.

The overall aim of the COSHARE project is to produce an all-island strategy to surveying staff about their experiences and perspectives on consent and C-SVH in HE across the North and South of Ireland as well as facilitating knowledge exchange between academics and professionals.

COSHARE Networking Events

Elevating Voices, Eliminating Violence | 11th & 12th March 2024

It was so wonderful to host "Elevating Voices, Eliminating Violence: Advancing Evidence Based Strategies for SVH Prevention in Higher Education" COSHARE’s second networking event at the University of Galway. A heartfelt thank you to Fiona Drouet from EmilyTest for sharing Emily's Story. Fiona’s poignant narrative reminded each of us about the profound importance of our work in SVH prevention. Your courage and advocacy serve as a beacon for us all.

Thank you to Gemma MacNally, James McCormack, Michelle Caulfield, and Kara Stewart for their invaluable contributions in sharing approaches and strategies for Disclosure Management training. Special acknowledgment to our expert panellist’s Caitríona Gleeson, Sarahjane Grennan, Fredrick Okungu and Dr Helen Maher whose expertise illuminated the complexities of SVH prevention.

Special thanks to Sandy Cox for gracefully sharing her knowledge and experiences, providing insights into the US context and the advocacy role. Your grounded and practical approach to peer-to-peer education was both enlightening and inspiring, offering a valuable perspective that enriches our collective understanding. It was such a treat to hear from the University of Galway ‘Campus Consent Champions’, Tonya Pell, Amy Staudt & Daniel Lynch for their dedication in sharing their experiences of being champions on the ground, engaging in peer-to-peer education.

The discussions were not only insightful but also crucial in addressing the pressing issues of Consent, Sexual Violence, Harassment, and Equality within our academic institutions. The commitment and passion exhibited by the speakers and attendees were truly inspiring, highlighting the collective effort needed to create safer and more inclusive spaces.

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Pictured L-R: (1) Dr. Pádraig MacNeela, Gemma MacNally, Sandy Cox, Rebecca Connolly, (2) Fiona Drouet, (3) Elaine Mears, Caitríona Gleeson, András Költõ, (4) Daniel Lynch, Amy Staudt.

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Pictured L-R: (1) Liam McBrearty, Gemma MacNally, Rebecca Connolly, Dr Pádraig MacNeela, Róisín Shanahan, Dr Helen Maher, Ciara Byrne, Daniel Lynch, Niamh Kavanagh, Dr Siobhán O Higgins (2) Fredrick Okungu , (3) Gary Cogan, Ruan Kennedy

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Pictured L-R: (1) Andrea McDermot, Daithí Cronin, Dr Caroline West, (2) John O Halloran, Eva O Byrne, (3) Rebecca Connolly, Caitríona Gleeson, (4) Ciara Byrne, Róisín Shanahan

Rethinking Resistance and Barriers | 9th October 2023

We were delighted to host many of you in the MAC Belfast for our first COSHARE members workshop led by the fantastic Clarissa J. DiSantis. Clarissa is a practitioner, trainer, and leading authority on addressing gender-based violence at universities and was the first person to hold a dedicated role in this area in the United Kingdom. She is also the co-author of Addressing Student Sexual Violence in Higher Education, co-editor of Stopping Gender-based violence in Higher Education, and author of Epigeum’s Responding to Disclosures of Sexual Violence 2.0 (UK) online course. Clarissa led a full day of workshops entitled “Rethinking Resistance and Barriers - Progressing SVH Initiatives in Higher Education with the Comprehensive Institution-Wide Approach”. The interactive workshops were designed to support staff in championing gender-based violence prevention and response initiatives. In the morning, participants were supported to build their knowledge and understanding of how to use a comprehensive institution-wide approach to address sexual violence and related forms of gender-based violence in a higher education setting. In the afternoon, attendees work together to identify types of resistance to gender-based violence prevention and response work and consider strategies to overcome resistance tactics.

coshare team