Secondary schools across Waterford are being encouraged to join a programme aimed at promoting healthy relationships, respect and gender equality.

White Ribbon Ireland’s Post-Primary Schools Programme supports school staff in challenging harmful gender norms and attitudes, while helping them to hold conversations with students around relationships and equality.

The programme is led by the Men’s Development Network and was first launched in 2022.

Eleven schools are currently registered across the country, with organisers now encouraging more schools in Waterford to get involved.

White Ribbon Ireland Manager Fredrick Okungu said schools can play an important role in challenging attitudes before harmful behaviour becomes entrenched.

‘The classroom presents one of the best opportunities we have to challenge cultural attitudes which condone, trivialise, and normalise disrespect and abuse,’ he said.

The Men’s Development Network has led the White Ribbon campaign in Ireland since 2010, working alongside women’s organisations and Cuan, the national domestic, sexual and gender-based violence agency.

The organisation will also host the White Ribbon Ireland Conference at the Aviva Stadium on November 19th under the theme ‘Change the Story’.

Minister for Justice Jim O’Callaghan is among those due to attend.

The conference will include panel discussions, workshops and a White Ribbon Pledge Ceremony, with a focus on preventing gender-based violence and encouraging men and boys to play a role in tackling harmful attitudes.

Further information is available through the Men’s Development Network.