“There are few crimes more shocking, more reprehensible, or more damaging than gender-based violence. As Minister I have seen at first hand the invaluable work of frontline agencies supporting women and children targeted by domestic, sexual and gender-based violence in Ireland. Today, it has been particularly moving to hear the passionate voices of local and women-led organisations fighting every day on the front lines of humanitarian crises. We are not just facing a human rights and protection failure, but a political failure to prioritise women’s equality; a failure that is rooted within all of our systems and cultures.”