We believe prevention starts long before violence takes place. It starts with the conversations we have, the behaviours we challenge, the standards we set and the examples we give to others.
That is why we work with young people, men and boys, workplaces, schools, sports organisations, community groups, churches and leaders across Northern Ireland to create honest conversations about respect, equality, healthy relationships, consent and responsibility.
Our work is about more than raising awareness. It is about creating change.
Listen, Learn, Lead.
Our Listen, Learn, Lead approach helps people and organisations understand violence against women and girls, recognise the attitudes and behaviours that can contribute to it, and take meaningful action to create safer environments.
We create spaces where people can ask difficult questions, challenge what has been normalised and have conversations that may not have happened before.
With young people, we focus on building understanding of healthy relationships, respect, consent and positive choices. We encourage them to speak out, challenge harmful behaviour and become part of creating a different future.
We particularly believe in engaging men and boys. Men and boys have a vital role to play as allies and agents of change. Ending violence against women and girls is not something women and girls can do alone. We all have a responsibility to be part of the solution.
Global Action
White Ribbon is a global movement that began in Canada in 1991, following the murder of 14 female students at École Polytechnique in Montreal. The message was simple: male violence against women is unacceptable.
White Ribbon NI grew from a campaign within Women’s Aid and was launched as an independent organisation in 2021. Since then, we have worked with organisations and communities across Northern Ireland to turn that simple message into meaningful action.
Our pledge is:
Never commit, condone or remain silent about violence against women and girls.
But signing a pledge is only the beginning.
We support organisations to move from commitment to action through our Listen, Learn, Lead approach. This means listening to people’s experiences, learning about the causes and impact of violence against women and girls, and leading change through practical action.
Book A Listen, Learn, Lead Workshop (Link to form)
Changing the Conversation. Changing the Culture.
We know that real change does not happen through one campaign, one workshop or one conversation.
- It happens when people keep showing up.
- When someone challenges a sexist joke instead of laughing along.
- When a person learns what a healthy relationship looks like.
- When a man speaks to his friends about respect and consent.
- When a coach sets clear standards for behaviour.
- When a workplace creates a culture where people feel safe to speak up.
- When leaders decide that violence against women and girls is an issue they will actively address.
These actions matter.
White Ribbon NI are building a movement of people and organisations who are prepared to listen, learn and lead.
Because ending violence against women and girls is everyone's responsibility.
Together, we can create a Northern Ireland where women and girls are safe, respected and free from violence.