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Souls of Our Shoes exhibition breaks silence over domestic abuse
The Souls of our Shoes Exhibition at Stormont.
A simple but powerful exhibition featuring the shoes of over 50 domestic abuse survivors was displayed in the Long Gallery at Parliament Buildings this afternoon (Tuesday, 25th November) as the Mothers’ Union brought its message of stopping abuse in the home to Northern Ireland’s leaders.
Deputy First Minister Emma Little Pengelly and Junior Minister Joanne Bunting at the exhibition.
Mothers’ Union has over 5,000 members across the island and has been campaigning against domestic and gender based violence for over 10 years, and this special event was hosted by Fermanagh and South Tyrone MLAs Diana Armstrong and Deborah Erskine.
Deputy First Minister Emma Little Pengelly, Junior Minister Joanne Bunting, Justice Minister Naomi Long, Agriculture Minister Andrew Muir, and Health Minister Mike Nesbitt were among the many Assembly members who called in and listened to the call for decisive change.
Executive Office officials were also present with a stand highlighting their long�'term work, alongside many organisations in civil society, on ending violence against women and girls. Artwork from Women’s Aid also helped to set the scene and point to the hope of ending abuse and creating new beginnings.
Among those attending was a large contingent of members of the Mothers' Union from Clogher Diocese led by their Diocesan President, Mrs Heather Ellis.
“We often say that Northern Ireland has endured enough pain, enough division, enough loss,” said Mothers’ Union’s All Ireland President, Kay Clarke.
“So let this; protecting women and girls from violence, be something that unites us because this is not about politics. This is about humanity. Domestic and sexual violence intersect with health, housing, justice, education, and community development.”
Mrs Clarke added: “When we invest in safety, we invest in the future of our families. When we believe survivors, we build trust. And when we take decisive action, we send a message that echoes far beyond these walls: ‘No woman or girl should ever have to live in fear not here, not ever.’
“The Mothers’ Union will continue to stand with you, to work with you, and to pray for you that you will have the courage to act decisively, the compassion to listen deeply, and the commitment to make Northern Ireland a place where every woman and girl can flourish, free from fear. Together, we can make that vision real.”
Mothers' Union's All-Ireland President Kay Clarke launches the Souls of Our Shoes exhibition.
Archbishop John McDowell speaks at the launch of Souls of Our Shoes Mothers' Union exhibition.