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The Turning Point

From Conversation to Change

This event is our collective opportunity to revisit those vital themes, listen to an extraordinary panel of special guests, and focus entirely on what we must do differently as individuals, as neighbours, and as a society. This event is about translating awareness into action, challenge into change, and conversation into a lasting, unyielding commitment.

Ending violence against women and girls does not fall on the shoulders of a singles. It requires every one of us. We must collectively dismantle toxic behaviours, foster deep respect in our relationships, fiercely support survivors, and build a culture where women and girls are permanently safe, valued, and free.

The Starting Point asked the hard questions. The Turning Point demands to know: What do we do next?

Join us for The Turning Point

Event Details

Join us on Thursday 8 October, 6.30-9pm at Ballyearl Theatre, as Thomas Niblock returns to host a vital panel event. Bringing together some original voices from the podcast alongside special guests, we are shifting our focus to the future:

How do we turn awareness into action?
How do we turn conversations into real change?
How can every one of us play a part in ending violence against women and girls?

The Starting Point opened the conversation. The Turning Point is about creating change.
Guest Speakers and Panellists

Thomas Niblock (Welcomed Back as Host): Renowned BBC Northern Ireland broadcaster and journalist. Welcomed back to anchor The Turning Point, Thomas brings the fearless, empathetic interviewing style needed to navigate these raw conversations and drive real accountability.

Sonya McMullan: Regional Services Manager for Women's Aid Federation Northern Ireland. She brings nearly 30 years of frontline and policy experience to the fight against domestic and sexual violence.

Amanda Ferguson: Acclaimed Belfast-based freelance journalist, broadcaster, and co-founder of Women in Media Belfast. Her investigative work focuses heavily on politics, peacebuilding, and female representation.

Michelle Duffy: Award-winning trauma therapist, social worker, and co-founder of the Northern Ireland Survivor Council. She is a passionate campaigner for survivor leadership who pushes institutions to protect vulnerable children.

James Blake: Belfast entrepreneur, documentary filmmaker, and BBC television presenter. He investigates how online spaces shape modern male identity, fronting projects like BBC Three's Men of the Manosphere.

Declan McNally: Dedicated anti-violence campaigner and advocate for victims' families. Turning personal grief into powerful advocacy following the tragic murder of his sister, Natalie, he is a vital voice for public safety.

More About EVAWG

Violence against women and girls is a systemic and deep-rooted problem in our society. It is a problem that is hidden in plain sight and every day we see how it is affecting the lives of women and girls, wherever they learn, live, and work.

Ending Violence Against Women and Girls (EVAWG) is a seven year programme mandated by the Northern Ireland Executive which will address the whole range of gender-based violence, abuse and harm which is disproportionately experienced by women and girls, and which is rooted in gender inequality.

There is something everyone can do. Let’s get started.

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