The Women's Council of Ireland, alongside the Department of Further and Higher Education, have launched a campaign to eradicate sexual harassment and violence in third-level institutions.
The NWCI found that women between the ages of 18-29 are more likely to experience sexual harassment and violence. Furthermore, most of these women are students and are less likely to report the crime than other groups.
Minister for Further and Higher Education, Simon Harris, announced that the department is creating a four step action plan to eradicate sexual violence and harassment in third-level institutions. Harris says that the Higher Education Authority will be responsible for ensuring that this framework is implemented nationwide.
The Minister also went on to say that he wants to see an annual national survey on the subject for students and staff, and has began a research project in order to capture more data about the crimes.
#WATCH A new campaign has been launched to deal with sexual harassment and violence in third-level colleges@Nicole_gernon has the details⤵️#VMNews | @NWCI | @SimonHarrisTD pic.twitter.com/B4MvYbb1Vh
— Virgin Media News (@VirginMediaNews) July 27, 2020
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Harris added that there can't be different approaches in different universities, it is imperative that women are "safe in Ireland, wherever you go".
Orla O'Connor of the National Women's Council of Ireland said that these issues aren't unique to third-level institutions. However, she added that these colleges are "well placed to show leadership in terms of promoting a culture of zero tolerance.
"What we certainly want to see in the National Women's Council is that there is a holistic and comprehensive approach that is across our third-level and further education institutions".
O'Connor went onto say that this meeting between the NWCI and the government shows that the government is serious about tackling the issues at hand, but that proper funding is essential in order to tackle the problem.
