Youth-Led Project Focused on Raising Awareness of Violence Against Women and Girls

A powerful and inspiring awareness evening and film premiere at Newry Omniplex hosted by the Three Ways Youth Project showcased three impactful short films created as part of their Stand Up: The Premiere for Change initiative.

The youth-led project focused on raising awareness of Violence Against Women and Girls (EVAWG), challenging harmful attitudes and encouraging both young people and the wider community to play an active role in prevention.

The event, held on Thursday 26 February, brought together young people, statutory partners, community organisations and local representatives to recognise months of research, workshops and creative collaboration undertaken by the youth group.

The initiative began following honest and sometimes difficult conversations within the group about attitudes towards relationships, consent, coercive control and gender roles.

Young people identified a gap in structured education and open discussion around domestic violence and bystander responsibility. Rather than ignore the issue, they committed to leading change themselves.

Through weekly workshops with domestic violence professionals and support services, participants ensured the films were authentic, factual and survivor centred. The result was three compelling short films exploring the emotional, psychological and social consequences of violence against women and girls.

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Philip Campbell, said, “Violence against women and girls is not a distant issue. It is a very real and serious challenge within our own communities. What we witnessed at Newry Omniplex, was not simply a film premiere; it was young people taking responsibility, challenging harmful attitudes and calling on all of us to play our part.

Praising the initiative, Cllr Campbell said the young people of Three Ways Youth Project are not simply participants, but the driving force behind the change that is needed.

“Their courage to explore difficult conversations, their creativity in expressing powerful messages and their determination to stand up for what is right is nothing short of inspirational,” said the Chairperson.

“They are not just the leaders of tomorrow — they are leaders today, helping to shape a safer, more equal society for us all. As a Council, we are proud to support initiatives that mobilise grassroots action and empower young people to lead meaningful change.”

Padraig Harte of Three Ways Community Association, who leads the youth project alongside Amy Fearon and Bernadette Hollywood, spoke about the origins of the initiative and the pride felt across the organization.

“Amy, Bernie and I — along with the entire committee of Three Ways Community Association — could not be prouder of these young people. Newry Omniplex was not just showcasing three short films; it was the result of months of commitment, courage, learning and belief that change is possible,” he said.

“This project began because our young people told us it needed to happen. In our sessions, they were speaking openly about harmful attitudes they were seeing around consent, control and relationships. They recognised gaps in education and understanding and chose to step forward rather than stay silent.”

Padraig outlined the enormous amount of work that went on behind the scenes which included research, script writing, workshops with professionals, difficult conversations, reflection and revision.

“The young people ensured everything was factual, responsible and survivor centred. That level of maturity and dedication at such a young age is remarkable,” he continued.

“These young people showed leadership beyond their years. They supported one another, challenged themselves and had the courage to tackle a deeply serious issue head-on. Time and time again, they prove that young people are not the problem — they are the solution. We are incredibly proud of them.”

While the film premiere marked a significant milestone, the project will continue to have long-term impact. The films will now form the basis of an educational resource pack for schools, youth clubs and community organisations, supporting discussions around healthy relationships, consent, equality and bystander intervention.

The initiative was delivered with support from Newry, Mourne and Down District Council, The Executive Office, the Department for Communities and the Education Authority (Youth Engagement).

The Youth Project has extended special thanks to Women’s Aid Armagh Down, particularly Fiona McNaughton, for delivering specialist training and ensuring the films were factual and survivor-focused, Martina Flynn, Head of Engagement Newry, Mourne and Down District Council, Youth Action NI, including Caelan Donnelly and Tiarnan Connelly, Teddy Fearon (FilmedIt Media) and Mark Hughes (EDAM) for facilitating production and building filmmaking skills.

Thanks were also extended to the talented cast and members of New Point Players — Frances Morgan, Joanne King, Aveen Armstrong, Neil Heaney, Michael Brannigan and Clodagh O’Hanlon, Newry Leisure Centre and NMDDC Community Services, Today’s Local, High Street, The Quays Shopping Centre, Three Ways Older Youth Club members and the families and friends who supported the young people throughout the project.

Three Ways Youth Project also acknowledged the longstanding commitment of Three Ways Community Association in supporting youth development for over 20 years.

The awareness evening concluded with a clear and powerful message: ending violence against women and girls requires collective responsibility, sustained partnership and the courage to challenge harmful behaviours wherever they exist.

As echoed throughout the event, real and lasting change begins with conversation — and with young people who are willing to stand up and lead it.

ENDS