Women in Northern Ireland are revealing their troubling experiences of misogyny in schools, coinciding with the UK Government’s recent initiative aimed at addressing inappropriate behaviour among boys. Announced on December 17, 2023, this initiative involves a £20 million plan to reduce the rate of Violence Against Women and Girls by 50% over the next decade. The strategy emphasizes the necessity of teaching both boys and girls about misogyny and consent in order to foster a healthier school environment.
The voices of women who attended secondary schools in Northern Ireland highlight a disturbing culture of misogyny that they encountered during their formative years. Caitlyn*, who graduated more than a decade ago, shared her experiences of feeling uncomfortable as a student, a feeling that became “completely normalised.” She recalled, “Boys in school would touch us all the time, and it was totally normalised to the point that when I was younger, I never thought of it as something negative. My thought would just be, ‘oh, he’s so annoying.’”
Caitlyn elaborated on the implications of this behaviour, noting that several male classmates have since faced convictions for serious offences, including sexual assault and voyeurism. She expressed concern that inappropriate conduct was often reported to teachers but went unaddressed, particularly when the perpetrators were athletes regarded as valuable to the school. “Nothing was done with it, because they were talented sports players,” she claimed, reflecting on how the school prioritised its reputation over student welfare.
Misogyny was not only evident in individual interactions but was woven into the very fabric of school culture, according to Caitlyn. She lamented the lack of education on sex and consent, stating, “We had a talk about periods, but that was about it. The boys were asked to leave the room, which made it feel so taboo.” She believes that comprehensive education on relationships and consent could mitigate misogynistic attitudes in young boys as they mature.
Saoirse*, who left school just five years ago, shared a harrowing incident from her experience. She recounted an event where a girl in her year was sexually assaulted on school grounds. Rather than supporting the victim, the school administration allegedly asked her to leave for her own safety, while the assailant was permitted to continue his studies due to his status as a gifted athlete. “I think there were a lot of instances in my year where thorough education on consent could have changed an outcome,” Saoirse stated.
The emphasis on relationships as a status symbol among students contributed to a toxic environment. “Teachers need to be given training on how to spot signs of coercive control in relationships,” she said, pointing to the need for a more proactive approach in educating students about healthy relationships.
Orla*, who recently completed her A Levels, also reflected on the pervasive misogyny within her school. She noted that female staff members often faced intimidation, citing a new female teacher who left due to mistreatment from male students. “Boys were physically taller and bigger than her and would go right up to her face when speaking to her, like some form of intimidation,” Orla remarked.
The influence of misogynistic figures on social media has also left its mark. While Orla’s year may have been too young to directly engage with the content of influencers like Andrew Tate, derogatory remarks about women circulated among her peers. “It gave the boys in my year an opportunity to be disrespectful towards women,” she explained, noting that this culture perpetuated harmful stereotypes.
A 2023 report by the Education and Training Inspectorate revealed that nearly half of schools in Northern Ireland provide little or no education on sexual consent. In response to this alarming statistic, the Northern Ireland Assembly passed a motion in April 2024 mandating compulsory, high-quality relationship and sexual education. Eóin Tennyson of the Alliance Party emphasized the need for modernized teachings, stating, “Many students graduate without ever having learned about consent, abuse, or the elements of a healthy relationship.”
SDLP MLA Cara Hunter reinforced the critical role that age-appropriate education plays in empowering young people. She stated, “Age-appropriate RSE can help our young people to feel empowered and educate them on the importance of fostering a culture that emphasises the importance of sexual consent.”
Boyd Sleator, a coordinator with Northern Ireland Humanists and advocate for improved relationship and sexual education, echoed the urgency of early intervention. “We need to prioritise these things in education, like how we approach relationships and move young boys away from misogynistic behaviour early on,” he said.
As these women bravely share their stories, it becomes increasingly clear that comprehensive education on consent and healthy relationships is essential in preventing the cycle of misogyny that has long been entrenched in the school system. The hope is that these recent initiatives will pave the way for a safer, more respectful environment for future generations.
*The names of the women interviewed have been changed to protect their identities. For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage and sign up for the daily newsletter.
