A local comedian is using his platform to send a powerful message about violence against women and girls.
After the murder of Amy Doherty in Derry marking the 30th woman to be killed in Northern Ireland since 2020, Sean Hegarty said “enough is enough” and decided to launch a unique campaign to both raise awareness and funds for Women’s Aid.
Starting with a T-shirt, Sean is launching ‘Pure Gent’ next week, with the mission to redefine what it means to be a “modern gentleman”.
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Speaking to Belfast Live, the father-of-five said it was his daily walks that made him more aware of how women feel in everyday situations that men may take for granted.
He said: “If I see a woman walking alone, I’ll often cross the road to give her space, just to show I’m not a threat. It’s sad that it’s come to that, but it says a lot about the reality women live with. Men don’t think twice about those things.
“That’s where the idea came from, creating something simple and visible that men can wear, so women can recognise, even from a distance, that they’re safe around that person. That we stand against this. That we’re part of the solution, not the problem.”
The t-shirts are designed to be worn as a “badge of honour” and to be a clear, visible stand against violence – a mark of respect for the mothers, daughters, sisters and female friends in the wearer’s lives
“It was through conversations with my wife, and having a daughter, that my eyes were really opened to the dangers women face every single day, and the fact that, in most cases, that danger comes from men,” Sean explained.
“I reached out to Seamus at Visual Antics Apparel, and he immediately got behind the idea. He’s been incredible throughout, fully invested from day one. It was actually his idea to make the logo as bold and prominent as possible, so the message couldn’t be missed.
“As someone with a platform, I feel a responsibility to speak up, loudly, against domestic abuse and those who carry it out. This is unacceptable in any society.
“Thirty is thirty too many. And unless we stand up and say enough is enough, that number will only continue to grow.”
Knowing he wanted to do something to raise awareness for a while, he said tragic recent events were the catalyst to get Pure Gent launched as soon as possible.
He said: “I’m going to be really blunt and honest — I don’t want my daughter to be murdered by her future partner. I don’t want my nieces to be abused by the person who’s supposed to protect them.
“And I don’t want the women in my life, my friends and family, to feel fear walking into the place they should feel safest and most loved.
“I want to be a role model for my children, not just in what I say, but in how I live. I want my boys to grow up treating women with genuine respect, kindness and care, and that starts at home, by setting the example every day.
“At the same time, I want my daughter to see how I treat her mum. To understand what a healthy, respectful relationship looks like, and to know the standard she should expect in her own life. This isn’t just about awareness, it’s about shaping the next generation.”
From Co Armagh himself, the murder of pregnant woman Natalie McNally by her partner Stephen McCullagh has been particularly poignant in his campaign to raise awareness.
He continued: “I’ve followed the Natalie McNally case closely from the beginning, as it happened literally on my doorstep.
“Driving past the paths her murderer took, passing her home, it sends shivers down my spine. Seeing the impact her loss has had on her amazing family has been absolutely heartbreaking.
“It makes everything feel real.”
Since announcing his plans for Pure Gent, Sean has said the response has been overwhelming and other men have reached out to share their support and show interest in also using their platforms to join the campaign.
“The goal is simple, to show women that we stand beside them, that they are respected, and that they are safe.
“They say nice guys finish last, but I’d rather stand last than stay silent!”
To keep up to date with Pure Gent and purchase a T-Shirt when they launch on April 3, see here
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