Game Changer
Game Changer is a new project aimed at raising awareness and action through sport to tackle Domestic, Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (DSGBV).
Launched on Monday, 25th November 2024, Game Changer seeks to harness the positive influence of Gaelic Games to challenge the social and cultural norms that contribute to gender-based violence and sexual exploitation and aims to deliver positive behaviour change throughout society.
Game Changer is a partnership between Ruhama, the GAA, and White Ribbon Ireland, supported by the LGFA and Camogie Associations. The project is a strategic response to deliver on the goals of the Government’s Third National Strategy on Domestic, Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (DSGBV) with funding from the Government of Ireland, led by Cuan under the aegis of the Department of Justice. The three-year project will deliver a number of initiatives and will seek to harness the power of Gaelic Games to:
- Challenge the societal culture of sexual violence, including sharing of pornography, intimate image abuse and sexual exploitation.
- Encourage behaviours that support values of gender equality and respect; and build confidence, opportunity and ‘sense of place’ for women and girls.
- Encourage men and boys to engage in active allyship to eradicate gender-based violence in our society.
- Support the challenging and disclosure of abusive behaviours.
- Raise awareness of the harms and consequences of human trafficking for sexual exploitation.
The first phase of Game Changer will see a Gaelic Games-specific campaign which will promote freedom from fear of gender-based harassment and violence for women in society. The campaign will be promoted across all Gaelic Games communication channels, directly to all units and members, and therefore into every community in Ireland, including 500 clubs internationally located in 52 countries. It features four of Gaelic Games’ top inter-county stars, Oisin Gallen (Donegal footballer), Louise Ní Muircheartaigh (Kerry LGFA), David Fitzgerald (Clare hurler), and Amy O Connor (Cork camogie), with a supporting cast of players from DCU’s four Gaelic Games codes. This awareness campaign has been informed by qualitative research conducted amongst Gaelic Games players and members (including the youth voice), officers, coaches and supporters from clubs across the four provinces.
President of the GAA, Jarlath Burns, said: “The GAA, in partnership with the LGFA and the Camogie Association, is proud to take a stand against the pressing societal issues of Domestic, Sexual, and Gender-Based Violence. As Gaelic Games are deeply rooted in every community across Ireland, we are committed to leveraging our influence to foster awareness, education, and positive change.
“This initiative has been shaped with the guidance of expert organizations such as Ruhama and the White Ribbon Campaign, whose invaluable input has helped us identify meaningful ways to make an impact.
“We extend our gratitude to the club members who participated in focus groups, providing insights that shaped the content of this project, and to the players who have lent their voices and presence to our campaign. These individuals truly embody the spirit of our initiative—they are the Game Changers driving this vital conversation forward.
“Together, we believe we can inspire change and promote a safer, more respectful society for all.”