25th November - 10th December 2024 

A group of local organisations have come together to collaborate on a project called ‘Breaking the Taboo’ committed to reducing the stigma around Domestic, Sexual and Gender Based Violence in the Drogheda area through conversation, education, and awareness.

This initiative is being led by the Social Inclusion Community Activation Programme (SICAP) in support of the United Nations 16 Days of Activism campaign. 

The UN 16 Days campaign, represented by the colour orange symbolising a brighter future free from violence, serves as a unifying theme for activities worldwide.

Originally launched by activists at the Women’s Global Leadership Institute in 1991, it is now coordinated annually by the Centre for Women’s Global Leadership. The campaign unites individuals and grassroots organisations across the globe in the call to prevent and eliminate gender-based violence. 

During the 16 Days period, Breaking the Taboo members are hosting a series of community activities, including a social media campaign to foster local engagement and awareness. 

The Drogheda UN 16 Days campaign was launched by Gráinne Berrill, Director of the National Office for Community Safety, yesterday in the Marcy Hotel, Drogheda with inputs from representatives of CUAN, the newly formed statutory agency dedicated to addressing domestic, sexual, and gender-based violence (DSGBV). 

CUAN Spokesperson shared insights on CUAN’s mission to reduce gender-based violence and the work of the national agency to achieve this in Drogheda.

Margaret Geraghty, President, Soroptimist International Drogheda shared Soroptimist commitment and involvement locally to raise awareness of “Orange the World, UN 16 Day Campaign”.

John Halpin, Principal of St. Oliver’s Community College - highlighted the school’s involvement in “The White Ribbon” campaign to combat Domestic, Sexual and Gender Based Violence through education.

Susan Keogh, CEO of the Drogheda Women & Children’s Refuge gave an overview of their courAGEus project with young people.

Rita Geraghty, Lifestyle Development spoke about supporting survivors through lifestyle empowerment initiatives. 

The Drogheda Soroptimists organised a powerful display of orange shoes and umbrellas to honour victims of abuse. As part of the One Million Star campaign, they held workshops where community members created orange stars that were then distributed to retailers and organisations for public display throughout the campaign. 

Breaking the Taboo network members also hosted activities for service users and local community members, amplifying awareness through social and local media outreach.

Attendees were encouraged to wear orange and were given an orange star badge to wear for the 16 Days as a show of solidarity, and the public is warmly invited to do the same to promote and support this campaign. 

Scotch Hall Shopping Centre management team is supporting and highlighting the campaign this year with banners placed in the car park and on the pedestrian bridge. Retailers are displaying orange stars, wearing orange badges and distributing information on local supports.   

Louth County Council is also lighting local monuments in orange for the campaign’s duration to symbolise support, so keep your eyes peeled when around town! 

Stay connected and support the campaign by following #OrangetheWorld