Ulster University has confirmed its commitment to creating a safer, more inclusive society by officially taking The Pledge to End Violence Against Women and Girls as part of its ongoing partnership with Nexus, Northern Ireland’s leading charity supporting people impacted by sexual abuse and abusive relationships.
The pledge offers a specialist training and development programme to help organisations create safer environments to prevent violence against women and girls. This marks a significant milestone in Ulster University’s leadership on gender equality and its dedication to tackling domestic abuse, sexual violence, and harassment across Northern Ireland.
Damian McAlister, Chief People Officer at Ulster University, said:
“Ending violence towards women and girls is a societal issue that we all have a part to play in addressing this within Northern Ireland and I am delighted that Ulster University is making this pledge with Nexus and to access the specialist training and development programme that complements our own organisational approach and commitment to gender equality.
“Through our workforce and our students we recognise that we have a significant potential to help make our society one that is free from misogyny and genuinely more inclusive. “
Joanne Barnes CEO of Nexus NI added:
“We are proud to stand alongside Ulster University in taking The Pledge to End Violence Against Women and Girls. This partnership reflects our shared commitment to challenging harmful attitudes, raising awareness, and creating safe spaces for survivors. By working together, we can drive meaningful cultural change and ensure that every voice is heard in the fight against gender-based violence.”
Since June 2025, Nexus has been engaging with businesses, charities and public sector organisations to take the Pledge and become equipped with the knowledge and tools to play an active role in ending violence against women and girls
Nexus is delivering the specialist initiative with support from The Executive Office’s Change Fund, a regional initiative which is enabling eight organisations to deliver targeted interventions designed to prevent violence against women and girls in line with the Office’s Strategic Framework to End Violence against Women and Girls.
The pledge tackles the root causes of violence against women and girls by challenging misogyny, promoting gender equality, and equipping organisations with the policies and processes to end violence against women and girls. Nexus continues to invite businesses, organisations, and charities, to sign up to this specialist programme.
Other events during 16 Days of Activism
Throughout the 16 days, Ulster University will host a diverse programme of events for staff and students across our campuses and online, including:
- Nexus Pledge Launch Belfast, 25 November
- Speak Out! Drama Performance Derry~Londonderry, 25 November
- End Violence Against Women and Girls Pledge Awareness 26 November
- What is Coercive Control? Belfast, 27 November
- Green Dot Active Bystander Training Belfast (27 Nov), Coleraine (2 Dec), Derry~Londonderry (3 Dec)
