TUS Athlone campus lights up as part of campaign against gender-based violence

The Technological University of the Shannon (TUS) will join 15 universities from across Ireland to take a powerful stand during the global campaign ‘16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence’.

Starting today (Monday), on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, this initiative will highlight the urgent need to eliminate violence against women and girls, underscored by this year’s theme: 'Every 11 Minutes, a Woman is Killed. #NoExcuse.”

The 16 Days of Activism campaign, which continues through December 10 (Human Rights Day), was launched in 1991 by the Women’s Global Leadership Institute as a call to prevent and eliminate gender-based violence worldwide. Now, with the backing of the United Nations Secretary-General’s UNiTE by 2030 to End Violence against Women campaign, universities, organisations, and individuals around the globe are joining the cause.

TUS Sexual Violence Prevention and Response Manager Rabiya Aliat said: “This campaign highlights the importance of higher education institutions working together on the issue of gender-based violence. We know that in Ireland three in five people aged 18-25 have experienced, or know someone who has experienced, intimate relationship abuse (Women’s Aid, 2021).

“These staggering figures needed an urgent collective response, and with our unique roles within universities, we agreed to work together on this important prevention campaign.

“While TUS coordinated the campaign, it was created by SVH and EDI managers from across the sector, with everyone contributing to its development and roll-out across the country. This is a collaborative effort, and I am so grateful to all our partner institutions.”

All participating universities are dedicated to driving change, raising awareness, and encouraging every member of the community to actively participate during these 16 Days of Activism. A series of events and campaigns, both online and offline, will serve to educate, engage, and empower participants in advocating for a future free from gender-based violence.

“Violence against women and girls is not inevitable – it can and must be stopped. By standing together and using our voices, we can turn awareness into action, creating a safer and more equal society for all,” said a spokesperson for UNiTE.

How to Get Involved:

* Promote Zero Tolerance: Use your voice to spread a message of zero tolerance for violence against women and girls.

* Engage Leaders: Advocate for policies that enforce zero tolerance towards violence and protect women’s rights.

* Support Local Women’s Organisations: Donations and volunteer support are critical to the success of these organisations.

* Share Awareness Using #NoExcuse: Amplify the message on social media, in schools, workplaces, and communities.

All participating universities call upon students, staff, and the wider community to participate in these 16 Days of Activism to foster a world where no woman or girl lives in fear of violence.