Louth public urged to stand with women facing violence and displacement this Christmas

ActionAid Ireland has appealed to the people of Louth to stand with women and girls all over the world enduring violence and displacement this Christmas, calling the issue a global epidemic.

ActionAid Ireland CEO, Karol Balfe, said gender-based violence is a huge issue around the world, and one of the gravest threats facing women and girls in our world today: “Globally, one in three women will experience physical or sexual violence in their lifetime.

"In 2023, every 10 minutes partners or other family members intentionally killed a woman. Yet this issue remains largely overlooked, despite being exacerbated by crises such as the ongoing conflicts in Gaza, Ukraine and Sudan and climate disasters.”

Ms Balfe added: “It is also an issue here in Ireland, where 267 women have died violently from 1996 to the present day. Just recently we saw the extraordinary bravery of survivors like Nikita Hand, who have to fight long and hard for justice.” 

In Sudan an estimated 6.7 million people are at risk of gender-based violence, particularly displaced, refugee and migrant women and girls. And in Gaza, women and girls accounted for a shocking 70 per cent of the civilian deaths in the first six months of atrocities.

Ms Balfe said: “Displaced women fleeing violence, war and climate disasters face unique challenges. The risks of gender-based violence, including sexual exploitation and human trafficking, expose women and girls to greater dangers, and a lack of funding makes this an even bigger problem. In 2024, a staggering 122.6 million people, including 37.9 million refugees, have been forced from their homes, due to conflict, climate change-related events or violations of human rights."

She said this year’s ActionAid Ireland Christmas appeal is to support the organisations work helping women like Arida, a mother from the Democratic Republic of Congo who had to flee her home after her husband was murdered, rebuild her life. 

Arida walked to Uganda with her children, and sought refuge at the Rhino Camp where ActionAid provides critical support including counselling women and girls fleeing violence, shelter, training and education. 

Talking about Arida's experience, Karol Balfe, ActionAid Ireland CEO said: “This Christmas, millions of women and girls don’t know what their future holds. But they know there are people who can help and ensure safety for them and their families. The impact of displacement goes far beyond the loss of home.

"Displaced women face challenges rooted in gender inequality—many experience violence, discrimination, and limited access to education and employment. Fleeing their country is often the only way to survive, but the journey for women and girls is fraught with dangers. Support from the people of Louth can be transformative for survivors and will help us provide those in crisis with both emergency and long-term support. And I want to thank Louth people for their generosity in the past."

A special Christmas gift can help women, girls, and their communities survive violence and displacement:

• €25 provides emergency food, basic supplies, and a shelter kit for families.
• €50 helps construct safe spaces for women and girls in refugee communities.
• €120 funds a five-day training workshop on leadership or livelihood skills for 12 women. 

Since 2018, ActionAid has supported over 21,000 women in Uganda, offering life-saving aid and opportunities to rebuild their lives through education, livelihoods such as tailoring and baking, and leadership programs. This Christmas, a gift can provide hope and resilience to women like Arida, who dream of a safer, brighter future for their families. 

Irish support will not only help displaced families in Uganda, but also support others around the world facing emergencies in places like Gaza and Lebanon. Discover more: https://actionaid.ie/christmas-appeal-2024/