28/11/24: Breaking the Taboo, the community-based network initiative led by Louth Local Development under the Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP), has launched a series of initiatives to support the global United Nations 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence campaign. Supported by a network of 16 organisations including the Glencree Centre for Peace and Reconciliation (Glencree), local groups and statutory bodies, this initiative aim to reduce the stigma surrounding Domestic, Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (DSGBV) in Drogheda through education, dialogue, and awareness.

The Breaking the Taboo campaign was launched on 25th November to coincide with the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. Gráinne Berrill, Director of the National Office for Community Safety, opened the event. Speakers representing the 16-strong network included representatives from CUAN, the Drogheda Women and Children’s Refuge, Soroptimist International Drogheda, St. Oliver’s Community College and Lifestyle Development Company.

Over 16 days, the Drogheda-based campaign will feature community engagement events, from social media outreach to in-person activities hosted by network members, including Glencree. Through its Women’s Leadership Programme, Glencree supports the Network’s pillars of prevention, protection and policy coordination by fostering collaboration, sharing expertise and promoting policy implementation.

In the initial days of the campaign the Glencree Women’s Leadership Programme hosted an information session on supporting friends or colleagues in abusive relationships. The programme will support a range of other activities and events throughout the 16 days including a story exchange which will take place as part of the BRIDGE project on December 6th.

In solidarity with the wider UN campaign which is symbolised by the colour orange, Drogheda landmarks will light up orange with thanks to Louth County Council. Drogheda Soroptimists’ have also launched a display of orange shoes and umbrellas to honor victims, as well as community workshops to craft orange stars that are now visible across local businesses and public spaces. Scotch Hall Shopping Centre features banners and displays while retailers have embraced the initiative, wearing orange badges and distributing resources on local DSGBV supports. Community members are encouraged to show solidarity by wearing orange or the campaign’s signature orange star badges.

Glencree is a founding member of the Break the Taboo network of 16 organisations which includes: Drogheda Women's and Children's Refuge Centre; Louth Local Development; Connect Family Resource Centre; SOSAD Ireland; Lifestyle Development Company; Barbican Centre; Market House Dunleer; Hands4Unity; Men's Aid; An Garda Siochana; Red Doo Project; Soroptimists International of Drogheda; Drogheda Implementation Board; Rape Crisis North East; and Louth Volunteer Centre.

A full calendar of Breaking the Taboo network activities which takes place in Drogheda from 25 November to 10 December can be viewed below. For more information, contact Noirin Coghlan, Louth Local Development at noirin.coghlan@lldc.ie.