Boxing pilot empowers Antrim and Newtownabbey women and girls

A fantastic four-week non-contact boxing programme has successfully wrapped up across Antrim and Newtownabbey, bringing local women and girls aged 13 and over together to build their confidence.

(L-R) Bridget Scott (Glengormley Boxing Club Coach), Rose Kosinska (Glengormley), Grainne Griffith (Council EVAWG Officer), Zoe Totten (Rathcoole), Tara Lynch (Antrim) and Lynsey McMillan (Boxing Ireland). | Arthur Allison/Pacemaker Press.

placeholder image — (L-R) Bridget Scott (Glengormley Boxing Club Coach), Rose Kosinska (Glengormley), Grainne Griffith (Council EVAWG Officer), Zoe Totten (Rathcoole), Tara Lynch (Antrim) and Lynsey McMillan (Boxing Ireland). | Arthur Allison/Pacemaker Press.

Delivered in partnership with Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council and Boxing Ireland, the 'Like a Girl' pilot proudly supports the strategy to End Violence Against Women and Girls.

By using welcoming, comfortable community spaces in Rathcoole, Antrim and Glengormley, the initiative blended basic boxing skills with self-esteem.

Grainne Griffith (EVAWG Officer), Lynsey McMillan (Boxing Ireland) Gemma from Glow Girls by Gemma and Glengormley Like a Girl Programme Participants | Arthur Allison/Pacemaker Press

The sessions gave participants a powerful sense of physical confidence, and inner strength, finishing with an empowerment and celebration event, with Glow Girls by Gemma at Mossley Mill.

The council said the high weekly turnouts and a strong demand for more sessions show just how much these supportive spaces are needed to help local women feel safe and strong.