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.”