Laois schools urged to join White Ribbon campaign
Men's Development Network chief executive Seán Cooke. File image
SCHOOLS in Laois are being urged to join White Ribbon Ireland’s post-primary schools programme, which identifies schools as ‘the potential missing link’ in tackling gender-based violence.
Led by the national Men’s Development Network (MDN), the programme supports school staff in creating ‘safer, more respectful’ school environments. It helps staff to build confidence in challenging ‘harmful gender norms and attitudes’ and guides conversations with young people about healthy relationships and equality.
First launched in 2022, the programme has 11 schools registered across the country.
Fredrick Okungu, manager of the national White Ribbon programme, said in a statement: ‘The commitment amongst the participating schools has been extraordinary, with tangible results of positive attitudinal change. However, latest reporting indicates that around 1,300 domestic incidents are reported to An Garda Siochána each week, 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. 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.’
The MDN has led the White Ribbon campaign in Ireland since 2010, working in partnership with women’s organisations and Cuan, the domestic, sexual and gender-based violence agency. MDN will host the 2026 White Ribbon Ireland Conference at the Aviva Stadium on 19 November, under the theme ‘Change the Story’.
The event will include a keynote address from justice minister Jim O’Callaghan, three thematic panel discussions, workshops and a closing White Ribbon Pledge Ceremony.
Minister O’Callaghan commented: “I want to provide an assurance, particularly to women and children, that I am steadfast in my determination to confront domestic, sexual and gender-based violence in all its forms.
“I recently secured the enactment of reforming legislation through the Oireachtas to strengthen laws and protect victims and survivors further. I am actively working on additional measures that focus on the harmful effects of extreme and violent pornography on young people’s understanding of healthy relationships and consent.”
The minister added: “Gender-based violence is a scourge in our society. Given the scale of the harm being done, it requires urgent attention and the third National Strategy on Domestic, Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (DSGBV) demonstrates our national commitment to realising a society where there is zero tolerance.
“The four pillars – prevention, protection, prosecution and policy coordination - underscore the critical importance of adopting an inclusive, whole-of-government approach, driven by collaboration between departments, statutory bodies, service providers and civil society.”
The White Ribbon Ireland Conference will fall on International Men’s Day, immediately ahead of International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and the global 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence.
MDN chief executive Seán Cooke said: “Building the capacity in schools to have a cultural, social and educative framework to support systemic and attitudinal change is the only sustainable way to this cultural shift away from violence. We need to have frank conversations about prevention. This dialogue should be happening at every level of society - around the kitchen table, in schools, youth and sports clubs, workplaces, every setting and every day.”
Mr Cooke said that MDN has been positively engaging men and boys for the past 29 years, encouraging them to be their most authentic selves, mind their wellbeing and supporting them in being allies in addressing violence against women.
He said: “As an organisation, we acknowledge the poor behaviours of men and work with men on perpetrator intervention programmes. However, prevention is and always will be the cure. People are not born violent; violence is a learned behaviour. It’s time to unlearn, to teach men and boys that they can be the agents of change, they have a role to play in the prevention of violence against women and girls.
“As proactive allies they can ‘Step In’ to the conversation and listen to the concerns of the women and girls in their lives, they can ‘Step Up’ and safely challenge their peers on inappropriate language and attitudes and they can ‘Step Back’ and reflect on their privilege and the positive actions they can take.”
In addition to its work with schools, White Ribbon Ireland is also supporting corporate partners, most recently formalising a partnership with transport operator Go-Ahead Ireland, which will engage more than 1,000 staff on gender-based violence prevention.
Go-Ahead Ireland managing director Dervla McKay 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.”
More information is available at mensnetwork.ie
