Women in Northern Ireland have come forward to share their experiences of misogyny in schools, highlighting a troubling culture that has persisted for years. This revelation follows the UK Government’s announcement on December 17, 2023, of a £20 million initiative aimed at training teachers to recognize early signs of inappropriate behaviour in boys. The plan is part of a broader strategy to reduce violence against women and girls by half over the next decade.
According to the Northern Ireland Strategy Framework, there is a pressing need to educate both boys and girls about misogyny and the concept of consent within the school environment. This initiative has sparked discussions among young women who attended secondary school in Northern Ireland, prompting them to reflect on their own unsettling experiences.
Caitlyn, who left school over ten years ago, recounted a culture where inappropriate behaviour was frequently overlooked. She stated, “Boys in school would touch us all the time, and it was totally normalised to the point that when I was younger, I never thought of it as something negative.” Caitlyn emphasized that this behaviour was not just annoying; it was a serious issue that needed to be addressed by teachers and the curriculum.
She noted that several male students from her school went on to face legal consequences for various assaults against women as adults. “Their behaviour was reported to teachers, but nothing was done because they were talented sports players,” she claimed. Caitlyn described how the school valued athletic prowess over accountability, allowing boys with questionable behaviour to continue their education without repercussions.
Saoirse, who left school just five years ago, echoed Caitlyn’s sentiments, recalling a specific incident where a classmate was sexually assaulted on school grounds. In a shocking turn, the victim was allegedly asked to leave the school “for her own safety,” while the perpetrator returned to continue his studies, due to his status as a gifted athlete. “I think thorough education on consent could have changed outcomes for many girls in my year,” she stated, stressing the need for better resources in schools to address these issues.
Orla, another recent graduate, shared her observations regarding the treatment of female staff members. She recounted how a new female teacher left her position due to the intimidation she faced from male students. “Boys would physically invade her space, which created a hostile atmosphere,” Orla noted. She also mentioned derogatory remarks made about women, linking them to the influence of social media figures who promote misogynistic attitudes.
While consent was included in Orla’s curriculum, she reported that the teacher was uncomfortable discussing the topic, resulting in a lack of meaningful education. This highlighted a broader issue, as a 2023 report by the Education and Training Inspectorate found that nearly half of schools in Northern Ireland provide little to no education on sexual consent.
In April 2024, the Northern Ireland Assembly passed a motion mandating comprehensive and age-appropriate relationship and sexual education (RSE) in schools. Eóin Tennyson, a member of the Alliance Party, criticized the outdated teachings present in many schools, stating, “Many students graduate without ever having learned about consent, abuse, or the elements of a healthy relationship.”
SDLP MLA Cara Hunter reinforced the importance of RSE, asserting that it helps young people understand the significance of consent and fosters a culture of respect. Boyd Sleator, a coordinator with Northern Ireland Humanists, emphasized the necessity of teaching about misogyny from a young age. He argued that instilling positive behaviours early on is essential for shaping future attitudes towards relationships.
The stories shared by these women illustrate a pervasive issue within the educational system in Northern Ireland. As reforms are introduced, the hope is that a new generation will receive the education necessary to challenge and change the culture of misogyny that has long been embedded in schools. This transformative approach aims not only to empower students but also to cultivate a safer and more respectful environment for all.
