Belfast Rally Demands Urgent Action to End Violence Against Women and Girls

Hundreds marched in Belfast demanding urgent action to end violence against women and girls, highlighting 30 femicides in six years and calling for systemic change and support.

Protest in Belfast Calls for an End to Violence Against Women and Girls

Hundreds of individuals marched through Belfast City Centre to demand an end to violence targeting women and girls. Over the past six years, 30 women in Northern Ireland have been victims of fatal violent attacks.

Protesters chanted "not one more" as they urged Stormont to implement emergency measures to address the issue.

The family of Natalie McNally, who was murdered in 2022, participated in the rally. Her brother, Brendan McNally, expressed the importance of standing against this violence.

"It's extremely important to show the resistance against the scourge of violence."

Speaking to NI, Brendan McNally emphasized the significance of events like this in providing a platform for people to voice their concerns.

"As a brother of a woman who was murdered it's a personal issue," he said, adding, "I do believe it is a real civic issue that all people in Northern Ireland should be concerned about."

He conveyed his deep concern about femicide and violence against women and girls in Northern Ireland.

"We are determined to see change and justice."

Brendan McNally is wearing black glasses. He's wearing a teal shirt. Crowds of people are behind him in the street. — Brendan McNally, whose sister was murdered, said he's concerned about violence against women and girls in Northern Ireland

Route and Organisers of the Protest

The demonstrators assembled outside the Laganside courts complex before proceeding to Belfast City Hall.

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The protest was organised by ROSA, a socialist feminist movement focused on gender equality and social justice.

Eva Martin, one of the organisers, highlighted the dual purpose of the rally: to send a clear message for change and to show solidarity with victims and survivors of male violence.

"Gendered violence is an epidemic and needs to be treated as an emergency."

"One protest is not going to solve this issue and one change in legislation is not going to change this issue," she added.

Martin called for emergency funding for frontline services supporting victims, reforms in sex education, increased social housing, and an end to what she described as misogyny within the judicial system.

"Really if we are to reckon with the roots of gendered based violence, and reckon with the roots of violence against women, that will require societal transformation."

However, she noted that Stormont can take immediate steps to address the most severe consequences of violence against women and girls.

Eva Martin is looking into the camera. She has long brown hair. Sunglasses are on top of her head. People are standing in the background behind her, — Eva Martin, one of the organisers, said the protest was about showing solidarity for victims and survivors of male violence

A large crowd are standing on a road. Many are holding banners that says solidarity. Some people are holding photos of women. Shops in a high street are in the background. — The people taking part in the rally walked from the courts to Belfast City Hall

Perspectives from White Ribbon NI

Gillian Lennon, a representative of White Ribbon NI, commented on the importance of challenging prevailing attitudes and beliefs.

"It's the attitudes and the beliefs that we can challenge."

She praised the large turnout, stating,

"I think it's incredible to see so many people come together for the same cause."

Lennon acknowledged that violence is often normalized but expressed optimism that this can be changed through early conversations before harmful behaviours develop.