Staff, students, and members of the wider community across SETU's campuses in Waterford, Carlow, and Wexford participated in the 15-minute walk-out from 11am to 11.15am, with many wearing red as a symbol of solidarity.
South East Technological University (SETU) joined communities across Ireland for the National Walk Out for Women on Wednesday, 30 September to help raise awareness about violence against women.
National initiative
The national initiative honoured women whose lives have been lost to violence, raised awareness of gender-based violence, and supported efforts to prevent violence against women and girls. It provided an opportunity for communities, organisations, and workplaces to come together and send a clear message that violence against women has no place in society.
Speaking after the event, Róisín Shanahan, Sexual Violence and Harassment Prevention and Response Manager at SETU, said: “We were proud to support this important national initiative across our campuses. The Walk Out for Women provided an opportunity for our students and staff to stand together in solidarity, remember those whose lives had been lost, and reaffirm our commitment to prevention, education, and creating a culture where everyone felt safe, respected, and supported. It was powerful to see our SETU community come together to stand against violence and demonstrate a shared commitment to creating safer, more compassionate communities for all.”
Monica Murphy, organiser of Walk Out for Women and SETU graduate, said: “We were delighted to collaborate with the SETU Sexual Violence and Harassment and Support Unit on this initiative. We were so pleased with the turnout of SETU staff and students who supported us and hope it will help to start the conversations around domestic, sexual and gender-based violence, as well as to remember those whose lives have been lost violently this year.”
Inclusive environment
David Denieffe, Chief Operating Officer at SETU, added: “At SETU, fostering a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment across all our campuses is a fundamental priority. By taking part in the National Walk Out for Women, our staff and students are joining with communities across Ireland to stand against violence and support a culture of dignity, respect, and equality. Together, through awareness, education, and collective action, we can help create safer communities for everyone.”
The event reflected SETU's ongoing commitment to promoting equality, inclusion, wellbeing, and the prevention of sexual and gender-based violence across the University community.
