skip to main content

Call for a Violence Against Women & Girls Stategy in Northern Ireland

Members are encouraged to sign Women's Aid Federation Northern Ireland’s petition calling for a Violence Against Women & Girls Strategy in Northern Ireland, which is quickly amassing signiaturies on Change dot org.

Published: 22 March 2021 | 10:46 AM Updated: 21 July 2021 | 5:08 PM
Silhouette of a mother and daughter stood against a bright light.
A specific strategies helps foster a meaningful focus on the need to stop gender-based violence against women and girls in their nations. Photo credit: Shutterstock

Northern Ireland, unlike every other part of the United Kingdom, is the only region that does not have a specific strategy to help bring an end to violence against women and girls.

The MU’s Equality, Diversity and Inclusion committee have noted that Women's Aid Federation Northern Ireland have begun a prominent petition – with over 15,000 signatures so far and rising quickly – calling for a specific strategy around violence against women and girls.

In England, Scotland and Wales, these specific strategies mean that there is a meaningful focus from regional governments on the need to stop gender-based violence against women and girls in their nations. By signing this petition, you can make a difference to every woman and girl in Northern Ireland.

Musicians are encouraged to sign the petition on the Change dot org website.

MU Head of Equality, Diversity & Inclusion, John Shortell explained the significance of the petition:

“Northern Ireland is the only part of the United Kingdom that does not have a specific strategy to tackle gender-based violence, this means that women and girls are being let down because of where they live. The MU supports the calls for a comprehensive strategy in Northern Ireland to tackle violence against women and girls.”

Get MU membership today

From gig players to part-time teachers and professional instrumentalists, MU members can access specialist insurance for musicians. This includes Public Liability, Instrument and Equipment Insurance, Accident Insurance, Tax Investigation Insurance, and Professional Indemnity Insurance for music teachers.

Explore our member services

  • Get public liability insurance for musicians
  • Access expert legal support
  • Be represented in your profession
  • Access expert career advice, resources, and training events
  • Connect, network, and get to know the community of musicians

Learn about all membership benefits

Get MU membership today

Continue reading

MU members and Senedd candidates infront of an MU banner.

MU Members Meet Senedd Candidates to Highlight Music’s Role in Wales’s Economy and Communities

Welsh MU members met Labour Senedd candidates to discuss the future of the music industry in Wales, presenting the Union’s manifesto priorities for fair pay, strong public investment, and long-term sustainability across the sector ahead of the 7 May elections.

Published: 18 February 2026

Read more about MU Members Meet Senedd Candidates to Highlight Music’s Role in Wales’s Economy and Communities
Person walking into a venue with a cello case on their back.

Musical Instrument Certificates to Remain Free of Charge

Following results from a recent consultation by the Department of the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA), Musical Instrument Certificates will remain free of charge for musicians travelling with instruments containing endangered materials.

Published: 10 February 2026

Read more about Musical Instrument Certificates to Remain Free of Charge