Campaigning to end gender based violence
A Cork university has strengthened its campaign to end gender-based violence through its White Ribbon accreditation.
MTU has this week reaffirmed its commitment to the White Ribbon objectives in partnership with the Men’s Development Network (MDN), marking another key step in the university’s journey toward White Ribbon accreditation. MTU is the first university to achieve this status in the country, with the grade of the award being gold.
The event, held on Monday at the Rory Gallagher Theatre, MTU Bishopstown Campus, coincided with White Ribbon Day, the international movement to end gender-based violence (GBV). It highlighted MTU’s leadership in building a culture of respect, consent, and zero tolerance toward domestic, sexual and gender-based violence (DSGBV) across its six campuses.
The occasion was officially opened by MTU President, Professor Maggie Cusack, and featured an address from Seán Cooke, CEO of the Men’s Development Network. A panel discussion brought together voices from across the MTU community and partner organisations, including student union representatives, a spokesperson from the Men’s Development Network, and Margo Noonan, Advanced Nurse Practitioner at SATU Cork.
President of MTU Prof. Maggie Cusack, said: “‘MTU is deeply committed to fostering a campus culture where dignity, safety, and respect are embedded in both our values and our practices. Fostering alliances such as this one, we are bolstering our commitment to prevention, education, and meaningful cultural change so that we may empower our community to disrupt harmful behaviours, promote positive masculinity, and ensure that every member of MTU can learn and work free from fear, coercion or harm.”
Seán Cooke, MDN CEO, said: “This accreditation demonstrates MTU’s commitment to creating a safe and respectful environment for all members of its community. By being actively involved in the White Ribbon Accreditation, MTU have set an important example for higher education institutions across the country.”
MTU’s leadership in championing the White Ribbon objectives demonstrates how higher education institutions can play a vital role in ending violence against women and promoting male allyship. The collaboration reflects an institution-wide effort to build a safer, more inclusive university environment.
Organised by MTU’s Sexual Violence and Harassment Prevention Officer, Ciara Mulcahy Linehan, the event acknowledged MTU’s ongoing actions at both institutional and community levels, including education and professional development, student engagement, and a university-wide call to action, all aimed at progressing a culture of zero-tolerance toward DSGBV.