Voices raised on gender-based violence issues at Paisley Town Hall

Daily Record

24-06-2025

Young people from across Renfrewshire gathered to hear from Dr Jackson Katz and to discuss how schools across the country are tackling gender-based violence.
Gender-based violence was the focus as more than 200 young people attended a special assembly in Paisley Town Hall.
Young people from Renfrewshire and its surrounding areas gathered to hear from Dr Jackson Katz, the creator and co-founder of the Mentors in Violence Prevention (MVP) programme.
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It is the first large-scale global prevention and peer mentoring leadership initiative for young people.
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Renowned American educator and author Dr Katz addressed those present with Nicola Sykes, a senior education officer from Education Scotland, also on hand to discuss how schools across the country are tackling gender-based violence through the MVP programme.
The Action for Change event was organised by Renfrewshire Council's youth services and children's services, and Education Scotland.
All Renfrewshire schools have established the MVP programme – equipping young people with the skills they need to tackle violence when they see it and provide peer support.
Renfrewshire's young people voted to prevent violence as their top priority at a youth assembly held during the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaign.
The Action for Change youth assembly gives young people the chance to have their voices heard and directly influence how the council and its partners support young people to prevent violence.
It's one of many events led by youth services and children's services as part of Young and Equally Safe (YES) in Renfrewshire which aims to tackle gender-based violence, affecting young people, across schools and communities.
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Ruaridh Keating, one of Renfrewshire's the YES group leaders, said: 'It's important to talk about gender-based violence so people's voices are heard and it's not a topic that's brushed under the rug; and it's more publicised than it has been in the past.'
Amy-Ellen O'Neill, another YES leader, explained: 'Talking about gender-based violence can help people feel safer to open up about things that have happened to them; especially if everyone talks about it. It raises awareness of the issue.'
Dr Katz said: 'I brag about what Scotland is doing all over the world. Over the last 12 to 13 years, there has been a systematic approach to implementing the MVP programme across the country.
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'MVP is a leadership programme for young people to help them have the tools to speak up and challenge and interrupt abusive behaviour.
'We focus on men's violence against women, sexual harassment and assault, domestic and relationship abuse – but it is about all forms of violence.
'The model helps young people become leaders, with young people mentoring younger peers and building their confidence in speaking out.'
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Renfrewshire Provost Lorraine Cameron said: 'This event has been a fantastic opportunity for young people to come together and make their voice heard. Real change happens when we listen to what young people have to say.
'Hearing about the work happening in our schools through the Mentors in Violence Prevention and Young and Equally Safe programmes has been inspiring.
'Young people are using their voices and experiences to challenge harmful behaviours, support one another and lead the way in creating safer, more equal communities.
'As a local authority, we are listening to young people and we will build a future free from violence and inequality with young people.
'Our youth services, community learning and development, and schools will continue to work together to support young people across Renfrewshire. The work they do is invaluable.'