AQW 17390/22-27

Mrs Michelle Guy
Alliance Party
Lagan Valley

Tabled Date: 24/10/2024
Answered On Date: 29/10/2024
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister of Education to detail any actions he is taking to support the delivery of the Strategic Framework to End Violence Against Women and Girls.

Answer:

Addressing violence against women and girls is an issue for all areas of society and education has a role in supporting that. The Delivery Plan brings into sharp focus my Department's responsibilities, and we will consider how the curriculum can support the wider strategy, with schools having an important role to play in addressing violence against women and girls.

My Department will contribute to the Delivery Plan and is establishing an Oversight Group to decide how the actions it is required to take forward will be delivered together with key delivery partners including the Executive Office. This will include engagement with stakeholders. Officials will bring forward recommendations for my consideration.

Delivery of comprehensive, age-appropriate and developmentally appropriate Relationships and Sexuality Education is an important part in reducing violence against women and girls.

Our curriculum is designed to provide opportunities to educate young people to develop healthy relationships. Pupils have the opportunity to explore their management of a range of feelings and emotions and those of others; initiating, developing and sustaining mutually satisfying relationships, explore the qualities of a loving, respectful relationship and develop coping strategies to deal with challenging relationship scenarios.