Cork schools urged to help tackle gender-based violence
Schools across Cork are being urged to join White Ribbon Ireland's Post-Primary Schools programme - led by the Men's Development Network - which highlights schools as the potential missing link in addressing Ireland's gender-based violence crisis.
The programme supports staff to create safer, more respectful school environments. It helps staff build confidence challenging harmful gender norms and attitudes, and guides conversations with young people about healthy relationships and equality.
The programme is active in eleven post-primary insitutions across the country, including Munster Technological University (MTU).
MTU renewed its partnership with White Ribbon Ireland last year.
The Men's Development Network has led the White Ribbon campaign since 2010, working in partnership with Cuan, the domestic, sexual, and gender-based violence agency.
They will host the White Ribbon Ireland Conference in the Aviva Stadium on 19 November under the theme 'Change the Story'. It will feature a keynote address from Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration Jim O'Callaghan TD. Minister O'Callaghan said that he wanted to provide assurance, particularly to women and children that he is steadfast in his determination to confront domestic, sexual, and gender-based violence in all its forms.
Speaking about the post-primary programme, Frederick Okungu, manager of the White Ribbon programme in Ireland said progress has been positive so far.
"The commitment amongst the participating schools has been extraordinary with tangible results of positive attitudinal change. However, the latest reporting indicates that there are around 1,300 domestic incidents reported to An Garda Síochána, with 67,000 calls received in 2025.
"We cannot educate our way out of violence after it happens. We need to instil a culture of respect and accountability before negative attitudes become entrenched, and so, schools are one of the most important frontlines in prevention efforts.
"The classroom presents one of the best opportunities we have to challenge cultural attitudes which condone, trivialise, and normalise disrespect and abuse," he said.
Aside from schools, White Ribbon Ireland is also supporting corporate partners. Most recently, it formalised a partnership with transport operator Go-Ahead Ireland which will engage more than 1,000 staff on gender-based violence prevention.
Dervla McKay, Managing Director of Go-Ahead Ireland, said: “To live in a society where everyone feels safe, respected, and equal requires a commitment from us all.
"As businesses, we have an important role to play and as an organisation operating in a traditionally male-dominated industry, we recognise the opportunity we have to lead by example, encourage conversations among our colleagues, and be part of positive change.”