Campaign using sport to challenge gender-based violence

A project aimed at raising awareness and action to tackle Domestic, Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (DSGBV) through sport has been launched.

Game Changer will use the influence of gaelic games to challenge the social and cultural norms that contribute to gender-based violence and sexual exploitation and aims to deliver positive behaviour change throughout society.

The partnership between Ruhama, the GAA, and White Ribbon Ireland, supported by the LGFA and Camogie Association, will deliver a number of initiatives with gaelic games over the next three years.

Initiatives will include encouraging behaviours that support values of gender equality and respect and build confidence, opportunity and "sense of place" for women and girls.

It will also aim to challenge the societal culture of sexual violence, including sharing of pornography, intimate image abuse and sexual exploitation.

The project will also look at encouraging men and boys to engage in active allyship to eradicate gender-based violence in society.

The project will also seek to support the challenging and disclosure of abusive behaviours as well as raise awareness of the harms and consequences of human trafficking for sexual exploitation.

The first phase of Game Changer was launched to mark the first day of the annual 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence.

It will see a gaelic games-specific campaign which will promote freedom from fear of gender-based harassment and violence for women in society.

The campaign will be promoted across all gaelic games communication channels, directly to all units and members, and therefore into every community in Ireland, including 500 clubs internationally located in 52 countries.

The campaign has been informed by qualitative research conducted amongst gaelic games players and members - including the youth voice, officers, coaches and supporters from clubs across the four provinces.

GAA President Jarlath Burns said: "The GAA, in partnership with the LGFA and the Camogie Association, is proud to take a stand against the pressing societal issues of Domestic, Sexual, and Gender-Based Violence.

"As gaelic games are deeply rooted in every community across Ireland, we are committed to leveraging our influence to foster awareness, education, and positive change.

He extended gratitude to the club members who participated in focus groups, providing insights that shaped the content of the project, and to the players who lent their voices to the campaign.

"These individuals truly embody the spirit of our initiative - they are the Game Changers driving this vital conversation forward,", he said.

Ruhama CEO Barbara Condon said: "Game Changer had been born out of the GAA family, White Ribbon Ireland and Ruhama’s proactive and innovative commitment to confronting violence against women and fostering a safe environment both in sport and society.

"The GAA is the heartbeat of communities, reaching every town, village and city countrywide.

"Our hope is that this project has a significant impact on women’s safety in Ireland and inspires other sports organisations to take similar stands," she said.

Men’s Development Network CEO, Sean Cooke, described men and boys becoming positive agents of change in addressing gender-based violence and promoting equality as "innovative and progressive".

He said it would create conditions where women and girls will feel safe in their communities.