Shining The Light:
Building Safer Communities For Women and Girls
An International Women's Day Event
📅 Friday, 6th March 2026
🕙 10:00am – 1:00pm
📍 Guildhall, Derry/Londonderry
💷 Free entry, booking required
This International Women’s Day, join us at the Guildhall as we bring together voices from across our city to focus on one shared goal: building safer communities for women and girls.
Through lived experience, frontline insight and practical discussion, Shining the Light will highlight the progress being made locally to address violence against women and girls, and the collective action still needed in our communities.
The morning will centre on:
Real stories from those with lived experience
Reflections from those who support survivors
Online safety and protecting women and children in the digital space
A multi-agency panel discussion exploring what is working, what needs to change, and how we can all play a role
We will also share an overview of the progress made in our city over the past 12 months through EVAWG funding from The Executive Office and Derry City & Strabane District Council, along with an opportunity for audience reflection and discussion.
This event is open to all community members, professionals, students, volunteers, and anyone who wants to be part of building safer futures. Whether you work in this field or simply care about your community, you are welcome.
The morning will conclude with a 2-course lunch, along with opportunities to connect, network and build relationships with others in your community.
What to Expect
Honest, grounded conversations
Practical insight into local action and partnership working
Opportunities to ask questions and contribute
A respectful and supportive environment
Light refreshments on arrival, followed by a two-course lunch
A small token of appreciation for attendees
Please note: some content may reference experiences of abuse. Support information will be available on the day.
Running Schedule
10:00am – Registration and Refreshments
Welcome in, take a seat, and relax with a nice cup of tea or coffee before we begin.
10:30am – Welcome and Opening Remarks
Our Coordinator, Catherine Cooke will welcome everyone.
10:35am – The Mayor’s Address
Mayor of Derry City & Strabane District Council, Cllr Ruairi McHugh will take a moment to speak about the event.
10:45am – FWIN’s EVAWG Work
Our EVAWG Project Officer, Holly Reed will speak about the work FWIN has done, setting the scene for the day and our city-wide focus on safer communities.
10:55am – Lived Experience and Community Voices
Personal reflections from individuals who have experienced or supported someone affected by abuse, and the impact it has had on their lives.
11:30am – Online Safety Spotlight
Understanding the digital risks facing women and children, and what we can do to protect ourselves and others.
11:50am – Youth Voice & Musical Performance
A special performance and reflection from a student who completed the Healthy Relationships programme with FWIN.
12:10pm – Panel Discussion: Building Safer Communities
A cross-sector conversation featuring representatives from PSNI, survivor support services, human trafficking advocacy, and community de-escalation initiatives.
12:40pm – Progress and Partnership Update
A review of local EVAWG-funded work over the past 12 months and what comes next.
12:50pm – Audience Q&A and Reflections
1:00pm – Lunch & Networking
If you believe our city should be a place where women and girls feel safe, valued and supported, we invite you to join the conversation and be part of the change.
Spaces are limited so book your place today.