CFNI welcomes the launch of Northern Ireland’s first-ever Ending Violence Against Women & Girls Strategy

16 Sep 2024

The Community Foundation for Northern Ireland has welcomed the introduction of the Strategic Framework and first Delivery Plan (2024-26) to end violence against women and girls, announced today by First Minister and Deputy First Minister.

The Strategic Framework and Delivery plan aim address the whole range of gender-based violence, abuse and harm which is disproportionately experienced by women and girls, and which is rooted in gender inequality.

Speaking following todays announcement, CEO Róisín Wood said:

“The Community Foundation for Northern Ireland welcome the introduction of the Northern Ireland’s first-ever Ending Violence Against Women & Girls Strategy.

“More than 20 women have been killed in Northern Ireland since 2020, with three women having been murdered over the last 4 weeks. Violence against women and girls is a problem that women and girls face every day. We agree with the First Minister that this is a whole society problem and it is time for everyone to step up and play their role in calling out all forms of misogyny, sexism and violence.

“This strategy has been developed through a co-design model and we would like to extend our thanks to all those organisations and individuals who have invested their time in achieving both this framework and delivery plan – in particular those victims of violence who engaged in this process.

“The Community Foundation welcomes the planned investment of £3m to help prevent violence against women and girls and to support victims.

“Women and girls should feel safe everywhere and at all times and we commit to working with partners across Government and the Voluntary and Community sector in achieving this vision.”