Student-led initiatives aim to tackle violence against young women and girls through education, awareness and early intervention
Tralee, Co. Kerry – June 8th, 2026
Minister for Children, Disability and Equality, Norma Foley TD, will officially launch the innovative community-led initiative at Munster Technological University (MTU) Kerry on Monday, 8th June, aimed at promoting youth wellbeing, strengthening safeguarding awareness, and preventing violence against young women and girls.
The launch marks a significant milestone for the Safe Town Project, which emerged from the Stop Violence Against Young Women and Girls Conference hosted by NEWKD and Kerry Women’s Centre in November 2025.
The event will unveil the CARE Initiative (Communication, Awareness, Respect and Empathy) developed through collaboration between students, educators, community practitioners, and local organisations committed to creating safer communities.
The CARE Programme was designed by Social Care students at MTU led by Christina Fitzgerald has been developed as an early intervention educational programme for delivery in schools, workplaces, youth services, and community resource centres.
The programme aims to equip participants with the skills to communicate effectively, build respectful relationships, recognise harmful behaviours, respond appropriately to concerns, and become active bystanders in promoting safer communities.
The Safe Space Initiative for Young Girls was developed in response to findings from a student-led survey conducted by students of Mercy Mounthawk Secondary School, Tralee exploring how safe young people feel in their schools and communities. The findings were presented at the Kerry Women’s Conference and directly informed the development of a structured programme focused on safety, confidence-building, healthy relationships and access to support services.
Ann Sheehan of Kerry Women’s Centre said the initiatives demonstrate the power of listening to young people’s voices.
“These programmes were created because young people told us what they needed. They highlighted concerns about safety, respect, relationships and communication. Rather than simply identifying problems, they became part of the solution. We are incredibly proud of the commitment shown by the students and all those who contributed to bringing these initiatives to life.”
Representatives from the MTU Social Care programme highlighted the importance of prevention and early intervention.
“The CARE Programme is about giving people practical tools that can be used every day. Communication, awareness, respect and empathy are the foundations of healthy relationships and safe communities. By introducing these concepts early and reinforcing them throughout education and community settings, we can help prevent harmful behaviours before they occur.” Ciara Mulcahy Linehan, Sexual Violence & Harassment Prevention Officer Munster Technological University (MTU)
The programmes have been developed entirely through voluntary collaboration, with students, educators, community practitioners and partner organisations contributing their expertise and time to create sustainable resources for local communities. NEWKD have shown their support by being the first to test the initiative. Pilot phase to begin in September 2026.
Speaking on behalf of the Safe Town Project partnership, organisers said the initiatives represent a direct and positive outcome of the conference held last November.
“The Stop Violence Against Young Women and Girls Conference challenged us all to move beyond discussion and take meaningful action. The CARE Programme and Safe Space Initiative are tangible examples of what can happen when communities work together with a shared purpose. They are practical, preventative and rooted in the experiences of young people themselves.” Nicola Lawless, Chairperson Kerry Women Centre
The launch event will bring together representatives from MTU, Kerry Women’s Centre, NEWKD, Kerry County Council, schools, and community organisations.
Expressions of interest are now being invited from schools, workplaces and community organisations wishing to participate in the pilot phase of the programmes, with plans to expand delivery across Kerry and potentially nationally in the future.
Photo By: Domnick Walsh Photography