WRDA Launches Guide to Challenge Far-Right Weaponisation of Violence Against Women and Girls
On December 9th, the Women’s Resource and Development Agency (WRDA) hosted the launch of its new guide, Challenging the Far Right Weaponisation of Ending Violence Against Women and Girls, at Shankill Shared Women’s Centre as part of the global “16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence” campaign. The resource is designed for politicians, public bodies, and third-sector leaders, offering practical strategies to counter harmful narratives without amplifying divisive rhetoric.
Opening the event, Megan McClure Botha stressed the urgency of the guide, which was developed in response to recent attempts by far-right groups to exploit men’s violence against women for xenophobic, racist, and Islamophobic agendas. “Ending violence against women and girls is about solidarity, not scapegoating,” she said, highlighting that violence against women is a longstanding, homegrown issue rooted in structural inequality.
The guide equips leaders to respond effectively in press statements, interviews, and online spaces, centering shared values and the voices of those who believe in inclusion and equality. It urges investment in housing, education, and health as real solutions to societal pressures and emphasises the need for elected and community leaders to speak out on racism.
A panel of experts contributed powerful insights during the discussion. The panel consisted of Patrick Yu of UNISON NI Black and Migrant Workers Group, Ivy Goddard from Inter Ethnic Forum, Barbara Boyle from International Women North Down, Katy Allen from Act Now, and Naomi Green. Key takeaways included:
The housing crises and slogans like “Local homes for local people” have fueled hostility toward minoritised communities, these are being repeated by elected representatives, amplifying the hate.
Northern Ireland is not two communities and “other”, we are now a rainbow of communities.
We need to stop framing VAWG in terms of protecting women, we need to change the narrative to women’s liberation, not women’s protection.
Parents of minoritised children are scared for their safety, including at school.
Elected representatives need to start treating minoritised communities as their constituents and not just come knocking at election time.
Muslim men have been particularly demonised and when they are attacked, for example by the far-right patrols, they are perceived as the aggressor, not the victim.
The event concluded with a call for leadership and solidarity, reminding attendees that combating violence against women and girls requires solidarity, not division. Lunch and resource stalls from Rape Crisis and Raise Your Voice followed the discussion.