The Education Minister, Paul Givan, faced scrutiny from the SDLP regarding the proposed introduction of mandatory education on violence against women and girls in schools.
During a meeting of the Education Committee on Wednesday, SDLP Opposition Education Spokesperson Cara Hunter pressed the Minister on whether he believed it was essential for all schools to educate young people on this subject. According to the SDLP, the Minister asserted that schools should be afforded autonomy.
Following the meeting, East Derry MLA Ms Hunter expressed her concerns, emphasizing the urgency of addressing the prevalence of violence against women and girls in Northern Ireland. She highlighted the region’s unfortunate status as one of the least safe places for women in Europe and stressed the need for concerted efforts to combat this issue.
Ms Hunter underscored the importance of education in addressing and preventing violence against women and girls, both in schools and universities. She argued that early education is vital in shaping attitudes and behaviors, equipping individuals with the knowledge and resources to confront such issues.
The MLA voiced disappointment at the Minister’s stance, citing evidence that leaving these matters solely to schools has proven ineffective. She emphasized the necessity of uniform mandatory education on violence against women and girls across Northern Ireland’s schools, asserting that this is essential for fostering positive societal change and eradicating harmful attitudes and behaviors.
Ms Hunter concluded by urging policymakers to prioritize preventative education as a crucial step in addressing the alarming increase in sexual offenses and transforming societal norms. She emphasized that only through comprehensive education can Northern Ireland hope to challenge outdated perceptions and protect the well-being of women and girls.
