Derry ‘Be The Change’ conference hears clear message – ‘women and girls deserve to live free from fear’

Upwards of 140 students, alongside community groups and councillors, actively participated in the event hosted in the Guildhall.

Pupils from St. Cecilia’s, St. Columb’s, Foyle, Lumen Christi, St. Brigid’s, and Oakgrove Integrated College were in attendance.

Activities provided young people with an opportunity to explore the impact of harmful attitudes, behaviours, and gender-based violence.

The interactive sessions encouraged open conversations around respect, equality, healthy relationships and personal responsibility.

Speakers included the Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Grace Uí Niallais, White Ribbon’s Corey Mullan, and the PSNI’s Detective Constable Josie Crawford and Detective Inspector Mark Gingel.

Councillor Aisling Hutton was the final speaker before the floor was opened to a vibrant Q&A session with the panel, which was chaired by Jeananne Craig.

Mayor Uí Niallais said: “Too often, conversations around abuse are seen as something that only concerns certain people or certain neighbourhoods. The reality is very different. Abuse does not discriminate.”

Speaking afterwards, Jayne Quigg, Manager at Dove House Community Trust, declared the event a huge success.

"We are absolutely delighted with how today went. The young people, the speakers, community groups, and our Advocacy staff all played their part in making it incredibly fruitful for everyone in attendance.

"Today’s conference marked an important step in bringing education, community support, and youth advocacy together under one shared message – we all have a responsibility to be part of the change.

"Through continued collaboration and positive action, today’s ‘Be The Change’ initiative will hopefully inspire a culture of respect, accountability, and equality among our young people, helping to build safer communities for everyone in the city, district, and beyond,” she said.

One of the students, St. Columb’s College Head Boy Ben Farren said: "Today’s conference on stopping violence against women was extremely impactful to not only myself, but my fellow students of St Columb’s College.

"Learning about the challenges women face on a daily basis - and how we, as men, can prevent these problems for the women of our generation - has made us more aware.

"It has taught us how to challenge harmful attitudes, stand up for women, and help create a safer, more equal society for everyone in the community,” he said.

Deirdre McDaid, Manager of Sure Start Edenballymore in the city said: "Ending violence against women and girls requires all of us to be part of the change!

"We all can take away a lot from today’s conference. With ourselves, at Sure Start, our work begins in the earliest years, supporting children and families and helping to build the foundations for healthy, respectful relationships.

"We are proud to stand alongside Dove House and our community partners in sending a clear message that violence and abuse have no place in our homes, schools or communities, and that every woman and girl deserves to feel safe, valued and heard.”

Ms. Quigg paid tribute to the funders, Derry City and Strabane District Council and The Executive Office, and thanked Council staff and the Hive Choir.