Motion no: 9
Conference notes that Northern Ireland is the most dangerous place for women in the UK, with over 30 women murdered since 2020 and police responding to domestic abuse incidents every 16 minutes.
Congress commends the campaign work of the ICTU Women’s Committee and affiliate unions on ending violence against women and girls, including domestic abuse, sexual harassment and misogyny.
Conference recognises that while women and girls are disproportionately affected, ending violence against women and girls requires the active involvement of people of all genders, including men and boys.
We believe that male allyship is essential to challenging the attitudes, behaviours and social norms that enable violence and gender inequality, and that men have an important role to play in prevention, education, early intervention and creating cultures of respect and equality.
Conference further recognises the importance of engaging men and boys without shifting responsibility away from perpetrators or diminishing the voices and experiences of women and girls.
Congress therefore calls upon the Northern Ireland Committee to:
Work with ICTU Women’s Committee to develop a male allyship programme and events which aim to:
- engage and educate men and boys in preventing violence against women and girls and challenging harmful gender stereotypes
- help men to challenge sexism, harassment and inappropriate behaviour in the workplace
- make men in positions of leadership to use their influence to challenge misogyny, harassment and violence and to promote gender equality
- encourage men to become positive role models and allies
