Over the past year, Ulster University has made significant contributions to research, education, prevention and provision of support to staff and students around the area of domestic and sexual violence.
The Gala event will highlight the impact that violence and abuse are having on women in the workplace – affecting how they are able to perform their jobs and how it is acting as another impediment to women’s career progression. Among the findings of a recent survey by Ulster University, one in eight (12%) said violence or abuse at home had a detrimental effect on their work. Shockingly, the survey also found that 16 of 542 women questioned had experienced violence in the workplace.
At the Gala, to be held on the Belfast campus, the University’s Women’s Network will be encouraging invitees from local businesses to sign the White Ribbon charter, adopt the Listen, Learn, Lead framework and work towards attaining the White Ribbon accreditation in their workplaces, in support of their female staff.
Dr Susan Lagdon (Lead Investigator on Every Voice Matters! Report for The Executive Office) will address attendees on the night. She states, “It has been a privilege to undertake such important research which has provided the evidence on the extensive nature of violence against women and girls living in Northern Ireland. Having the opportunity to speak at the Gala will be invaluable and hopefully encourage our local businesses to take action in supporting this serious issue”.
Ulster University is the first Higher Education institution to gain the White Ribbon NI Accreditation, signalling the University’s commitment to never to commit, condone or stay silent about violence against women and girls. The Gala event, hosted in partnership with White Ribbon NI, is designed to raise awareness and is part of the University’s commitment to White Ribbon’s Listen, Learn Lead Action Plan.
Tahnee McCorry, CEO of White Ribbon NI, said: “It is great to work in partnership with Ulster University Women’s Network and Ulster University as they continue to embed the Listen , Learn , Lead framework within their organisation. We believe in order to really work towards a safer society for everyone , we need those in leadership roles - in businesses, in statutory agencies , in churches, in schools and in community groups to stand up and speak out about violence against women and girls.”
Local Broadcaster Wendy Austin will host the evening and the attendees will hear from Tanhee McCorry, Dr Susan Lagdon and the University’s network Lead on the White Ribbon Listen, Learn Lead framework, Sarah Smyth. The event will include a performance from local pianist Ruth McGinley, writer of the White Rhythm Anthem, a contribution of star making toward the End Violence Against Women and Girls One Million Stars initiative and a sponsored prize draw in aid of White Ribbon NI.