Working together as employers to support the EVAWG strategy
The EDI Leaders Forum—hosted by BITC NI in partnership with Diversity Mark—opened 2026 with an energising and inspiring session that left participants motivated, connected, and deeply encouraged. Bringing together cross‑sector representatives from across Northern Ireland, the event marked an important moment for collective business action in support of the Ending Violence Against Women and Girls (EVAWG) strategy.
Held on Monday 26th January at Allstate’s Belfast office, the morning began with an informal welcome over tea and coffee, setting the tone for open dialogue and shared learning. Christine White (Diversity Mark) and Katherine McKnight (BITC) opened the session by highlighting the essential role employers can play in driving meaningful cultural and organisational change.
Attendees heard from two organisations leading the way in strengthening workplace responses to domestic and gender‑based abuse:
Allstate
Bernie Haughey shared Allstate’s evolving and compassionate approach to supporting colleagues affected by domestic abuse. Her presentation covered:
- The company’s internal policy development
- Training programmes for leaders and staff
- Partnerships with external support organisations
BBC
Emma Patterson-Bennett explored the BBC’s ongoing work to elevate awareness, build support structures, and address industry‑wide challenges. Her insights encouraged attendees to think critically about gaps that still exist—both within individual organisations and across sectors.
Both case studies provided powerful real‑world examples of employer action and sparked rich conversation on how workplaces can strengthen prevention, response, and support.
Call to Action
Participants engaged in facilitated discussion focused on what support is needed from organisations like Diversity Mark and what measures can be put in place within our organisations today.
These conversations highlighted shared challenges, practical opportunities, and the need for clear, action‑oriented commitments. Each group fed back key insights to the room, contributing to a collective call to action to better support the EVAWG strategy.
The honesty, energy, and solidarity shown throughout the morning were both uplifting and deeply motivating. A sincere thank‑you goes to:
- Emma Patterson Bennett and Susan Walker, our Co‑Chairs, for expertly guiding the session
- Allstate, for hosting and sharing their organisational journey
- All attendees, for your thoughtful contributions, time, energy, and commitment to advancing the EVAWG strategy
We look forward to welcoming the forum back to Allstate on 28th April, 12–2pm, where organisations will share updates on their pledges and the progress they’ve made.
Together, we continue to build safer, more supportive workplaces—and play our part in ending violence against women and girls.
