February October 2018 2019
Edition EditionXXVII XXVI
It Stops Now: mural unveiled for EU campaign to combat sexual harassment BY SHANNON SWEENEY
Representatives of UL Student Life at mural launch. Photographed by Shannon Sweeney.
UL Student Life and The University of Limerick unveil “It Stops Now Campaign” mural. The launch ceremony of the joint project was held at lunchtime on Monday, February 12th. The mural aims to raise awareness of sexual harassment and genderbased violence on campus. Student Life Welfare Officer, Lorcan O’Donnell says: “We are hoping it’s a nice way to challenge people’s preconceptions about sexual
harassment and gender-based violence and encourage positive conversations in the area,” The mural was constructed last Friday evening by student volunteers with sponsorship from the university. The mural is located behind Stables on the walkway between the courtyard and the Glucksman Library. Lorcan says the placement of the mural close by the main bar on campus is
important to the message. “I think it’s fitting as well because bars and alcohol can play such a huge role in harassment and assault, I think it’s important to highlight that as well,” he said. The mural is made from posters with phrases associated with both sexual harassment and slogans associated with the campaigns like “Me Too”. Student Life president, Ciara Jo Hanlon says it’s important for students of
all genders to get involved. “We want it to be acknowledged that this is a campaign around sexual harassment and sexual violence, against people, so it’s great to see students get involved,” she said. The “It Stops Now Campaign” is part of the international Ending Sexual Harassment in Third Level Education (ESHTE) project. The project is lead in Ireland by the National Women’s Council of Ireland (NWCI) in partnership with other European institutions The project is funded by the European Commission: Directorate-General, Justice & Consumers. The campaign aims to end sexual harassment and violence in third level institutions across Europe. Head of Equality and Diversity, Human Resources at UL, Marie Connolly says that language is important in tacking this behaviour. “It sends a very strong message that we are all together on this, and the campus needs to be safe for our staff and students, our younger students in particular,” she says.
According to the Union of Students in Ireland (USI), 2013 “Say Something” Report 11% of female student experience unwanted sexual contact while at college and 31% feel they have been harassed. “It was very frightening for people and so we realised we had to do more,” Mrs Connolly said. Ciara Jo Hanlon says this is a wide spread issue that cannot be ignored. “We can’t pretend that sexual violence and harassment doesn’t happen in third level institutions in Ireland, and we can’t pretend it doesn’t happen here at UL,” she said. The mural is part of a two- part campaign which not only aims to raise awareness, but also educate students around consent. Student Life have so far rolled out 50 consent workshops this year. “We wanted to make a statement that is completely unacceptable. We want to show that we are here to support the victims if they need a bit of help, it’s to send a message to the campus community, students and staff, said Ciara Jo.
What’s inside? Charity Week pg 16
C&S News pg 5
Fuinneamh pg 13