Reclaiming the streets as the women of Derry rise above fear

An 11-week project that brought together women from across Derry has been hailed as a ‘deeply moving and meaningful project that spoke directly to the strength, courage, and resilience of women' in the city.

Women Without Fear was developed by local police after listening to and hearing from women in groups across the city who expressed concerns about personal safety, fear of crime, and barriers to feeling confident in their own communities.

From this, Constable Josie Crawford discussed the concept with colleagues from Foyleside and Moor Neighbourhood Policing Team, Sergeant Dwayne Stewart and Sergeant Melanie Millar. Recognising the need for a structured, preventative initiative that would empower women, while also addressing wider community pressures, they created Women without Fear -  the title reflecting the project’s core message of confidence, resilience, and empowerment.

Constable Crawford successfully secured funding for the cross-community project from the NI Executive’s Programme on Paramilitarism and Organised Crime (EPPOC), a campaign highlighting issues including child criminal exploitation, grooming, violence extortion of local businesses and violence against women and girls.

“In some communities, women can experience additional challenges, and are reluctant to report issues due to various reasons. For example, for women in some communities they may be vulnerable to paramilitary influence and harm, and so there is a reluctance to engage openly.

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“Women Without Fear," says Constable Crawford, “sought to create a safe, supportive space where women could come together, reclaim public spaces, build confidence, and overcome fear through collective strength and support.”

The project was delivered by Josie and her colleague Constable Rachel Nicholl in the District’s Ending Violence Against Women and Girls (EVAWG) Impact Team, in close partnership with community representatives, Anne Marie Hickey from St Eugene’s Cathedral and Jeanette Warke, community worker from The Fountain.

Woman Without Fear Lifestyle Combat

Activities included regular walking groups, personal protection training, and a day trip to Belfast involving 50 women and  PSNI officers from various local District departments, further supporting relationship-building in a relaxed setting.

Personal protection sessions were delivered by Lifestyle Combat, facilitated by Peter Day, focusing on practical self-defence, grounding techniques, and empowerment through mind, body, and breath.

Anne-Marie, Pastoral Coordinator at St Eugene’s Cathedral, who was instrumental in helping organise the programme and encouraging women to participate across communities, said: “Women Without Fear was a deeply moving and meaningful project that spoke directly to the strength, courage, and resilience of women in our city.

“It shone a light on the realities many women face while reminding us that fear should never define a woman’s life. What made this project truly special was its compassion. It showed genuine care for women’s voices and experiences, uplifting them with a message of bravery, self-worth, and empowerment. The impact on participants was clear and lasting.”

Peter Day praised the commitment of participants and how they 'actively chose to step forward, engage in training, and develop skills to support confidence in their daily lives'. He described the  group as 'an inspiring example of women striving to live without fear'.

Woman Without Fear Christmas Market visit

Women who took part spoke openly about the impact the project had on their lives.

“I loved it. It made me get out of the house and meet new people. It’s great to learn how to help protect yourself when out walking alone.” (Claire)

“This was a lifeline to me. I got to meet lovely people and now I can defend myself better as a woman.” (Sharon)

“The fact that we all walked together was great for me. I felt I met new friends and will organise walks with these girls again.” (Isobel)

“The walking group was a great way for me to get out of the house and meet new people. Learning self-defence was something I would never have thought I’d do, I loved it.” (Helena)

Woman Without Fear Lifestyle Combat

Justice Minister Naomi Long said: “I welcome this important work by the Police Service of Northern Ireland and am pleased that investment from the Executive Programme on Paramilitarism and Organised Crime has helped make it possible. 

"Addressing the harm caused by paramilitarism and organised criminality remains a priority, and initiatives like this play a vital role in helping to keep people safe, build confidence in policing, and support communities to move forward. I want to thank all those involved for their continued dedication and commitment to delivering meaningful change.”

According to Constable Crawford: "Feedback highlighted increased confidence, reduced fear, improved wellbeing, and stronger community connections. Participants expressed a strong desire for further  programmes, building on the success of this initiative.

"Since the conclusion of the programme we have been able to roll out the personal protection classes to community groups in the city and more rural areas. This really highlights the demand for programmes like this."

Constable Crawford says projects such as Women Without Fear "demonstrates how listening to communities, acknowledging local pressures, and working in partnership can empower women to overcome fear and intimidation".

Woman Without Fear walking group

"By providing safe spaces, practical skills, and trusted engagement, PSNI continues to strengthen confidence, resilience, and trust within local communities. I want to thank everyone who participated and colleagues from our local Neighbourhood Policing Teams who helped us facilitate meetings with groups involved to get the project up and running."