Northern Ireland Rural Women’s Network (NIRWN) and Rural Community Network (RCN) are currently delivering a community-led research project exploring how women and girls living in rural Northern Ireland experience safety, support, and access to services in relation to Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG).

This research examines how rural life — including living in small communities, geographical distance, limited transport, housing pressures, digital access challenges, and close social networks — can shape women’s and girls’ experiences when they are concerned about their safety, wellbeing, or risk of harm.

This work forms part of the Ending Violence Against Women and Girls (EVAWG) Delivery Plan, commissioned in partnership with The Executive Office and the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA).

NIRWN and it’s members have played an active role in the co-design of the Strategic Framework since 2022 and over recent weeks, focus groups and one-to-one interviews have taken place with rural women and community groups across Northern Ireland. The research team has received valuable insights and constructive feedback, helping to build a clearer understanding of the specific barriers and strengths within rural communities.

The Community-Led Research was formally launched by Michelle O’Neill, First Minister of Northern Ireland, at NIRWN’s International Day of Rural Women event in October.

If you would like to participate in this research please contact paula@nirwn.org