Violence Against Women and Girls in Northern Ireland is a critical issue. Reports show that almost 98% of women surveyed have reported at least one form of violence or abuse in their lifetime.

Violence against women impacts on all aspects of their lives including their health, education, and their ability to work. Despite 31 women having been murdered since 2020 in Northern Ireland budgets in relation to this most critical issue have not been protected.

Public expenditure for services combating violence against women has been cut, women are frequently denied the practical aid they need. Whilst it is vital to raise awareness provide support and demand an effective strategy to create a safer environment for women. It is also essential to locate the sources of oppression and exploitation of women within society and the capitalist system which not only fails to address the root causes of these issues, but directly contributes to the continuing oppression and exploitation of women. This system and the society we live in undervalues women in the workplace, the home and in every other important aspect of their lives.

Women are the unpaid carers and the underpaid workers in the workplace. They are exploited using Zero Hour contracts precarious employment and the gender pay gap. Held back by the sticky floor and glass ceiling. A benefits system that is inadequate to manage or live on keeps women in persistent poverty in all its forms and disproportionately affects working class women.

Yet Governments fail to see these actions as abuse, or poverty as corrosive control which is another form of violence against women. All forms of violence against women must be tackled. They deserve more from a society they play a significant role in and make major contributions to. As well as condemnation of acts of physical and sexual violence against women we also need to address the whole question of the exponential growth of gender inequality.

How long are women expected to wait on their right to be treated as equals and not as second-class citizens, how long are women expected to wait until they can feel free from violence in their homes, on the streets and in society? This draft Programme for Government betrays women again.