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SETU hosted the Tackling Gender-based Violence (GBV) summit at its campuses in Waterford and Carlow on 2 and 3 December 2024, coinciding with the global campaign of ‘16 Days of Activism’ against GBV.

Organisers, keynote speakers, and SETU partners at the Tackling Gender-based Violence Summit 2024.

SETU’s Sexual Violence and Harassment Support Unit, led by Róisín Shanahan, Sexual Violence and Harassment Prevention and Response Manager and Ciara Byrne, Project Officer Consent Framework, coordinated the two-day summit that was funded by NTUTORR. The event was open to SETU staff, students, and practitioners working in prevention and response roles across higher education and external support agencies. 

Ciara Byrne, SETU Project Officer Consent Framework and Róisín Shanahan, Sexual Violence and Harassment Prevention and Response Manager.

Opening the summit, Dr Allison Kenneally, Vice President of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion said,

“At SETU, we are proud to host the Tackling Gender-based Violence summit 2024 as part of the global campaign, ‘16 Days of Activism’ against gender-based violence. My sincere thanks to my colleagues in our Sexual Violence and Harassment Support Unit. This committee consists of students, lecturers, and external organisations, and I am so pleased to see many of these partners here with us today. Your collaborative efforts are vital in tackling this pervasive issue.”

Allison continued, “In 2023, SETU launched an action plan to tackle sexual violence and harassment, which will run through to 2026. We are also in the process of drafting a comprehensive Sexual Violence, Harassment and Misconduct policy and procedures for both staff and students, to provide support to our community should anyone find themselves in such a situation. My sincere thanks to all of our contributors today for your participation and to my colleagues for their continued efforts.”

Dr Allison Kenneally, SETU Vice President of Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion. 

Róisín Shanahan, SETU’s Sexual Violence and Harassment Prevention and Response Manager, said, 

“It is inspiring to see so many dedicated staff, students, and practitioners here today; all of us coming together with the shared goal of raising awareness, promoting change, and supporting survivors. I would like to take a moment to reflect on the powerful conversations and meaningful connections that have taken place. Thank you to our keynote speakers for their heartfelt insight. As we transition beyond this event, I encourage everyone to continue these conversations, champion change in your own spheres, and support the vital work of the organisations represented. Together, we can make meaningful strides toward a safer, more equitable society."

Keynote speeches were delivered by the following leaders in this area:

Emily Drouet, Founder and CEO of EmilyTest addresses the summit.

Fiona Drouet of EmilyTest shared the heartbreaking story of her beloved daughter, Emily, undergraduate law student, who was subjected to a campaign of gender-based violence (GBV) by a fellow student. EmilyTest was founded by Fiona, in memory of her daughter. Fiona has since campaigned tirelessly to raise awareness and to ensure that other young girls are protected from GBV. EmilyTest provides training on GBV to help educators, parents, and organisations to understand the risk factors for GBV alongside ways to address the issue and to support those experiencing GBV. 

L-R: Kara Stewart, Training Manager at EmilyTest, Roisin Shanahan, SETU Sexual Violence and Harassment Prevention and Response Manager, Fiona Drouet, Founder and CEO of EmilyTest, and Ciara Byrne, SETU Project Officer Consent Framework.

Attendees also took part in workshops on ‘Healthy Relationships and Masculinity’ delivered by Men’s Development Network and White Ribbon Ireland, and on ‘From Domestic Violence to Coercive Control’ delivered by Haven Horizons. 

To learn more about SETU's involvement in the UN Global campaign, 16 Days of Activism, click here.