The impact of Mothers’ Union’s ’16 Days’ campaign in Ireland was acknowledged, recently, when MU’s Worldwide President, Sheran Harper, made a presentation to the President of Derry and Raphoe Mothers’ Union, Jacqui Armstrong, in recognition of her work – and MU’s – to counter domestic and gender-based violence. The presentation took place in St Macartin’s Cathedral, in Enniskillen during Ms Harper’s visit to Ireland.
The citation on the award reads: ‘Presented to Mothers’ Union in the Province of Ireland, in appreciation of your exceptional work in combatting gender-based violence through advocacy, prayer and practical matters. Mothers’ Union #nomore1in3. Presented by Sheran Harper, Worldwide President.’
Following the Service, Jacqui said: “I am delighted to accept it [the award] on behalf of the various teams that have worked so hard and so consistently to bring the scourge of domestic abuse and gender-based violence to the fore in our dioceses across Ireland.”
This year, the ‘16 Days of Activism Against Gender Based Violence’ campaign begins on Friday the 25th of November and continues until Saturday the 10th of December. Throughout the 16-day period, Mothers’ Union members locally will be joining with fellow members and supporters, globally, to raise awareness of, and call for an end to, gender-based violence in all forms and in all societies.
Saturday 26th November, has been designated ’16 Days Global Day of Action’ – the highlight of MU’s annual campaign. The occasion will be marked with a short Service of Prayer and Reflection in St Columb’s Cathedral, Londonderry beginning at 12.45pm. The speaker will be Ruth Garvey-Williams who has undertaken a study across churches in Ireland in relation to experiences, perceptions and attitudes surrounding domestic abuse. All are welcome to attend.
