The Athrú Project, started by four teenagers from Ballycastle, is campaigning for Stormont to establish a Minister for Women’s Safety and Health to coordinate action on violence against women, healthcare and education. The group cites Women’s Aid figures showing 31 women killed in Northern Ireland since 2020 and points to gaps in local safety infrastructure and long gynaecology waits. They have gathered public input through a survey and panel events and say they have positive political engagement, though ministers warn cost and logistics must be considered.
Teenagers Launch The Athrú Project, Urge Stormont To Create Minister For Women’s Safety And Health
Eimear believes a Stormont minister dedicated to improving women's safety and health will change lives [BBC]
Frustrated by repeated headlines about attacks on women, four friends from Ballycastle—Eimear McCloskey, Pearse O'Neill, Aoísha O'Neill and Devyn McAlister—have launched The Athrú Project to press Stormont to create a dedicated Minister for Women’s Safety and Health.
Why They Say Change Is Needed
The group, now aged 18 and 19, began campaigning after seeing a rise in coverage of violence against women and girls (VAWG) and worrying misogynistic behaviour among younger people. They point to statistics highlighted by Women’s Aid—31 women killed in Northern Ireland since 2020—and say the scale and complexity of the problem requires a focused ministerial role.
The teenagers, from Ballycastle, feel little is being done to tackle violence against women and girls [BBC]
What The Athrú Project Wants
The campaigners propose a ministerial post based in the Executive Office with a remit across justice, health and education. Their priorities include:
- Improving public safety infrastructure (lighting, CCTV and safe transport) in towns and rural areas;
- Reducing waiting times for gynaecology and other women’s health services;
- Broadening and strengthening sex and relationship education in schools so young people receive accurate, age-appropriate information about their bodies and consent;
- Coordinating cross-departmental policy and ensuring legislation and resources are targeted to reduce VAWG.
How They Started
Pearse says his work experience with the charity Politics in Action convinced him a campaign was achievable without huge funding. The friends launched an online survey and hosted a panel event that included politicians, campaigners and young people to gather evidence and build public support.
The group have launched a plan outlining what exactly a Women's Safety and Health Minister would do [BBC]
Political Response And Practical Concerns
The group reports full support from the SDLP and positive engagement from other parties. SDLP assembly member Cara Hunter described the idea as "worth exploring further" but urged careful consideration of logistics and public value. A Department of Health spokeswoman confirmed that women’s health is a priority and said a Women's Health Action Plan will be published after a public listening exercise and final report are considered.
Existing Work And The Case For A Minister
The Executive Office published an Ending Violence Against Women and Girls Strategy in 2024, and the PSNI launched a VAWG action plan in 2022. More recently, justice and health ministers introduced a Domestic and Sexual Abuse strategy and a Victims and Witnesses of Crime Strategy was published in March 2026. The Athrú Project argues that, despite these measures, a dedicated minister could better coordinate efforts, turn strategy into sustained action, and ensure young people's voices and needs are represented.
“Women’s safety and health is such a large and pressing issue that it’s difficult to keep up with,” Eimear said. “With a minister’s resources and attention it could be tackled effectively.”
The Athrú Project acknowledges the scale of the challenge but says their proposals are evidence-led and grounded in community consultation. They hope political backing and continued public engagement will turn their proposal into a formal legislative and administrative initiative.
Help us improve.
