A pioneering cross-community project in Derry/Londonderry has been praised for empowering local women to reclaim public spaces and build personal resilience. The 11-week "Women Without Fear" initiative was developed by the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) in direct response to concerns raised by women regarding personal safety and barriers to feeling secure in their own neighbourhoods.

Designed by Constable Josie Crawford alongside colleagues from the Foyleside and Moor Neighbourhood Policing Team, the programme focused on preventative safety and confidence building. The project secured funding from the Northern Ireland Executive's Programme on Paramilitarism and Organised Crime (EPPOC), which tackles hidden harms such as child exploitation, extortion, and violence against women and girls.

Constable Crawford explained the project's necessity: "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. Women Without Fear 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 programme included walking groups, personal protection sessions, and a group trip to Belfast involving 50 local women and PSNI officers. These informal settings helped bridge the gap between the police and the community, fostering stronger relationships. Personal protection training, focusing on practical self-defence and grounding techniques, was provided by Lifestyle Combat.

Anne-Marie Hickey, Pastoral Coordinator at St Eugene's Cathedral, supported the programme's delivery and noted: "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."

Justice Minister Naomi Long also welcomed the initiative, stating: "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."

Following the success of the initial 11-week pilot, the PSNI has begun rolling out the personal protection classes to further community groups in both urban and rural areas to meet local demand.