Hundreds of people across Ireland took part in a 15-minute Walkout for Women on Wednesday, leaving homes, workplaces and schools to draw attention to violence against women and girls. The action brought campaigners, community groups, students and politicians together in a public show of solidarity.
What happened in the Walkout for Women?
Participants were asked to step outside at 11am for 15 minutes, wherever they were. Organisers said the action was designed to make gender-based violence visible in everyday life and to encourage wider discussion about prevention, protection and accountability.
Large groups joined the event in Waterford, with further participation reported in Dublin, Carlow and elsewhere. Images and videos were shared online using the hashtag #WalkOutForWomen, helping the campaign reach people beyond the organised gatherings.
Ireland News: communities and politicians join campaign
Waterford was one of the main centres of activity. Organiser Monica Murphy said more than 1,000 people took part in the city, while groups also gathered at South East Technological University Carlow and at workplaces and schools across the county.
Support came from a broad range of organisations, including the Irish Countrywomen’s Association Waterford, the Men’s Development Network, the National Women’s Council and Waterford GAA. Women’s Aid’s Oasis House and the Men’s Development Network in Waterford were identified as the campaign’s designated charities.
Politicians also participated. TDs and senators, including Ministers Helen McEntee and Jennifer Carroll MacNeill, joined the walkout at Leinster House. Fine Gael TD Grace Boland referred to the action in the Dáil, while the organisers acknowledged support from Fianna Fáil TD Mary Butler and Sinn Féin TD David Cullinane.
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Why the campaign was organised
The organisers said the walkout was prompted by continuing concern about violence against women and girls. Murphy referred to the number of women killed since the murder of Ashling Murphy in 2022, saying the issue needed to remain in the public spotlight.
The event was not presented as a single solution to domestic or gender-based violence. Instead, it was intended to create a visible national moment and encourage people to consider how individuals, communities and public bodies can respond to abuse.
Gender-based violence can include domestic abuse, coercive control, sexual violence, stalking and other forms of harm directed at people because of their gender. Tackling it requires coordinated support services, effective policing, access to justice, education and long-term prevention work.
What the organisers want to do next
Murphy said she would allow time for the event’s impact to be assessed before deciding on the next steps, but indicated that another walkout could take place. Organisers have also discussed establishing a charity.
They concluded that Ireland already has charities working directly against domestic violence. One alternative under consideration is an online hub that would direct victims, families and members of the public towards existing supports covering:
- Prevention: information and education aimed at reducing violence before it occurs.
- Protection: practical routes to emergency assistance, advocacy and safe accommodation.
- Accountability: information about reporting abuse and accessing the justice system.
Such a hub could help people navigate the range of services already available, although no final structure or launch date has been announced.
What this means for people in Ireland
The Walkout for Women showed how a campaign can connect national politics with local action. Community groups in Waterford and Carlow participated alongside representatives at Leinster House, while people elsewhere joined by stepping away from their normal routines or sharing campaign material online.
For anyone worried about domestic abuse or immediate danger, the safest response is to contact emergency services or a specialist support organisation. People supporting a friend or relative should listen without blame, avoid increasing risk and seek advice from trained professionals.
The campaign also underlined the importance of accurate information. Public awareness can help challenge attitudes that excuse abuse, but survivors need properly funded services and clear pathways to safety and justice.
Frequently asked questions
What was the Walkout for Women?
It was a 15-minute public action held at 11am to raise awareness of violence against women and girls. Participants left homes, workplaces, schools or other locations to show solidarity.
Where did people take part?
Organised participation was reported in Waterford, Dublin and Carlow, with groups also gathering at South East Technological University Carlow and Leinster House. Support was shared from other locations online.
Which organisations supported the event?
Supporters included the Irish Countrywomen’s Association Waterford, the Men’s Development Network, the National Women’s Council and Waterford GAA. Women’s Aid’s Oasis House and the Men’s Development Network in Waterford were the designated charities.
Will the walkout happen again?
The organiser said a further event was being considered, but no date or formal plan had been announced.
Conclusion: why the Walkout for Women matters
The Walkout for Women turned a 15-minute pause into a nationwide message that violence against women and girls must remain a public priority. Its next test will be whether the visibility generated by the action leads to stronger connections between communities, support services and decision-makers. For Ireland, the clearest takeaway is that awareness matters most when it is matched by accessible protection, prevention and justice.
