Author | Lightnews

Reposted by NIRWN

Raise Your Voice @raiseyourvoiceni.bsky.social · Jun 10

We must first acknowledge the girl whose violation sparked the chain of events. We stand in solidarity with her and with her family now and always.
Instead, ostensibly because of the ethnic background of the boys accused of carrying out this attack, the vigil was hijacked by people intent on harm.

Violence in Ballymena
text above WRDA RTA WSN NIRWN logos

We must first acknowledge the girl whose violation sparked the chain of events. She and her family will have to navigate her trauma and grief from this incident as well as to engage with the criminal justice system, which is challenging for any survivor, and particularly for one so young. We stand in solidarity with her and with her family now and always.
Her family called for a peaceful and inclusive vigil to draw attention to the epidemic of violence against women and girls, and this could have been a moment for the community to come together on this issue that plagues every part of our society and impacts such a huge number of women and girls across our lifetimes.

Instead, ostensibly because of the ethnic background of the boys accused of carrying out this attack, the vigil was hijacked by people intent on harm. Their actions harmed families and individuals and left many without shelter, including women and girls who were removed from their homes by this destruction. They have also left people in fear for their safety, particularly people from an ethnic minority background.
None of this helps the victim in this case. None of this will address the broader issue of VAWG.

Most gender-based violence and most sexual violence is carried out by people known to the victim. In the reporting year 2023/24, 1,681 files were sent to the PPS regarding sexual crimes. Many of these were not prosecuted, and many, many more were never reported. We do not usually see vigilante actions in response to incidents of rape, and in this case it is clear that these actions, which defied the family’s wishes, were motivated by racism.
We welcome outrage at the trauma that this girl has suffered, but this outrage can and must be channelled correctly. We need reform within the legal system, we need to address the culture that makes these incidents so common, we need to tackle prejudice and racism, and we need to redouble our efforts to achieve the goal of ending violence against women and girls.

23 31

NIRWN @nirwn.bsky.social · Jun 12

#TeamNIRWN is at the Carers’ Health Fair this morning at Coleraine Scout Hall....come along if you're in the area and see what's on offer from ourselves and other services represented.
All welcome

1

Reposted by NIRWN

Women's Platform @womensplatformni.bsky.social · Jun 11

The new toolkit from Women's Spaces—our consortium with @wrda-team.bsky.social, @nirwn.bsky.social, & Women's Support Network—supports meaningful, self-paced learning on women's activism in Northern Ireland. It’s full of useful links, evidence, & real-life examples.Check it out : pillarsforpeace.org

3 2

NIRWN @nirwn.bsky.social · Jun 1

#TullachÓg
One thing you can say about our ancient high kings and chieftans is that they knew how to choose a spot with a view.
Gorgeous evening walk looking to the Sperrins on the left & towards Slemish on the right
A moment for the headline in the last photo-not much change 😉

View to the Sperrins at sunset from Tullagh Óg Fort inauguration seat of Clan O’Neill

View towards Slemish from Tullach Óg Fort

An information board (one of many in the trail to the fort) with the title ‘The Struggle for Supremacy’-as much as things change perhaps they stay the same

1 6

NIRWN @nirwn.bsky.social · May 29

Join us for this great event 👇

charmainjones.bsky.social @charmainjones.bsky.social · May 29

You are invited!! Launch of our new digital toolkit Pillars for Peacebuilding - Tuesday 10th June 7pm online!A new toolkit on Women’s Activism in Northern Ireland
Register tinyurl.com/mym8mz9

#womenpeaceandsecurity @nirwn.bsky.social @wrda-team.bsky.social

3

NIRWN @nirwn.bsky.social · May 28

‼️Closing Friday‼️

NIRWN @nirwn.bsky.social · May 20

We are hiring!!
Development Officer WBB
Key duties:
🔎Identify & recruit rural women to participate in WBB
📝 Assist in developing plans for meeting the NIRWN targets
📱Organise training venues, logistics & transport as required to support delivery
👩‍💻Complete & upload all relevant data

WE ARE HIRING
JOIN OUR TEAM
RURAL DEVELOPMENT OFFICER
WOMEN BREAKING BARRIERS
APPLY NOW
For further details contact:
info@nirwn.org
NIRWN
Northern Ireland
Rural Women's Network
WOMEN BREAKING BARRIERS
CLOSING DATE FRIDAY 30H MAY
AT 1PM
Funded by
UK Government

4 1

Reposted by NIRWN

NICVA @nicva.org · May 28

🆕 New cross-border funding now open!

The Shared Island Civic Society Fund is offering support for grassroots collaboration across the island — to build partnerships, strengthen connections & work on shared challenges.

🗓️ Apply by 27 June
🔗 tinyurl.com/4bbfbh8c

#GrantTracker #FundingNews

2 1

Reposted by NIRWN

NIRWN @nirwn.bsky.social · May 20

We are hiring!!
Development Officer WBB
Key duties:
🔎Identify & recruit rural women to participate in WBB
📝 Assist in developing plans for meeting the NIRWN targets
📱Organise training venues, logistics & transport as required to support delivery
👩‍💻Complete & upload all relevant data

6 3

NIRWN @nirwn.bsky.social · May 23

In Armagh today with Lord Paul Murphy who is leading an independent review of the Withdrawal Agreement & its effectiveness
Sense checking with Civil Society & creating the mechanisms with which to so is critical if we are to thrive post EU Exit
Thank you @ccbscrossborder.bsky.social
for convening.

Glorious view of the Armagh Cathedral this morning

Centre for Cross Border Studies Coaster marking their critical role maintaining conditions for N/S cooperation since GFA and it has arguably never been more vital

2

NIRWN @nirwn.bsky.social · May 21

The complicit silence of world leaders in the face of this is beyond my comprehension.
How much can your humanity be sold for?

1 2

NIRWN @nirwn.bsky.social · May 21

Gorgeous Patrick

1 1

NIRWN @nirwn.bsky.social · May 21

👀
International Law?
Human Rights?

Richard Chambers @newschambers.bsky.social · May 21

Shocking footage from our news wires from Jenin, West Bank, where the IDF fired “warning shots” at a group of diplomats and officials that included two from the Irish Embassy in Ramallah.

1 1 3

NIRWN @nirwn.bsky.social · May 21

#BlueSkyDays
Sometimes the stars align so that your work day feels less ‘worky’ and you get to witness your pals showcasing their expertise at the ‘worky’ bit and then you ALSO get to have a lunchtime dander around the glorious walled garden with @alexadotm.bsky.social and Dr Ciara Fitzpatrick

1 1 7

NIRWN @nirwn.bsky.social · May 20

It really is Fidelma- far too comfy!
I need to move from it and take the doggo (and myself) for a walk 🐾

1

NIRWN @nirwn.bsky.social · May 20

It’s my annual armchair #ChelseaFlowerShow expert era.
‘I think that deserved more than silver-gilt’
‘It needs more diversity in the top-left border’ etc etc
Gorgeous, relaxing escapism🌷🌺🌹

Getting warmed up for my armchair Wimbledon expertise in June 🎾 😜

1 5

Reposted by NIRWN

Elaine Crory @elainecrory.bsky.social · May 20

I'm so grateful to @irishnews.com for letting me get these things off my chest, because while nobody should be threatening elected reps, nor should they be careless with their words about the rest of us.

The Irish News @irishnews.com · May 20

"What is the redress for demonised minorities, when cruel things are said about them by the most powerful voices in the most influential places, backed by the ability to make legislation that harms them?"

Read Elaine Crory: tinyurl.com/ycyu8afx

5 17

Reposted by NIRWN

Katy Hayward @katyhayward.bsky.social · May 20

There's a new #UK-EU relationship a-brewin' and I've made a couple of slides to mark the occasion. Nothing fancy.

First a very simple overview of the essence of what was announced y'day, and - crucially - what underpins it.

1/3

A simple summary of key points from the three parts of the deal: Joint Statement, Common Understanding, Security & Defence Partnership + Political agreements that oiled the wheels. Pl msg me if you'd like the text.

1 10 13

NIRWN @nirwn.bsky.social · May 20

We are hiring!!
Development Officer WBB
Key duties:
🔎Identify & recruit rural women to participate in WBB
📝 Assist in developing plans for meeting the NIRWN targets
📱Organise training venues, logistics & transport as required to support delivery
👩‍💻Complete & upload all relevant data