"Women Have Been Failed by the System - Action Needed on All Fronts"
On 25th March I attended the Ending Violence Against Women & Girls showcase event in the Canal Court Hotel, Newry.
It was a powerful and important evening, highlighting, these issues and I fully support the clear message that change is urgently needed and Zero Tolerance policies must be implemented. Considering the recent tragic deaths of women across our region, the urgency of this issue has never been starker. These are not isolated incidents they reflect a deeper, systemic problem that must be addressed.
I want to acknowledge and praise the incredible work being carried out by local community, education, and youth organisations, including the Crisis Café, St John Bosco Youth Centre, Three-ways Youth Group, Carrickcruppen GAA and Youth Voice. The dedication shown by these groups supporting, educating, and empowering young people and communities. Is vital in challenging harmful attitudes and creating safer environments for women and girls.
It was also important to hear from those across business, education, and community leadership, including Edwina Flynn, Gerry Flynn, Cormac McKinney and Allison Slater, whose contributions highlighted the importance of partnership working in tackling this issue.
However, we must also recognise that violence against women and girls does not exist in isolation. From a socialist perspective, it is rooted in wider inequalities, poverty, lack of opportunity, underfunded services, and societal structures that leave women more vulnerable.
If we are serious about change, we must go beyond awareness and tackle these root causes. That means properly funding frontline services, investing in education, supporting community initiatives, and addressing the economic inequalities that underpin so much harm. Crucially, it means challenging a capitalist system that thrives on exploitation and addresses the economic inequalities that underpin so much harm.
Real and lasting change will only come when we build a society based on equality, dignity, and collective responsibility. The Justice system must bring forward legislation to make Femicide a stand-alone crime, the Executive must make it clear that the additional money to be given to tackle violence to girls and women are ring fenced. Women have been failed by the system, and that must be rectified, as a matter of urgency. It is now time for real action on all fronts.