Reclaim the Night activists march for an end to gender-based violence
The event started at Writer's Square in Belfast
Calls to end gender-based violence echoed across Belfast last night. Large crowds gathered as activists moved through the centre of Belfast promoting the campaign Reclaim the Night.
The annual Reclaim the Night rally and march, made up of women’s groups, trade unions, LGBTQ+ groups, disability representatives and human rights campaigners. The march began at Writer’s Square before marching down Royal Avenue, Chichester Street and Victoria Street, ending at the Albert Clock.
The rally formed part of a wider programme marking the United Nations Global 16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence, which began on November 25. The International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. It will conclude on December 10th, on Human Rights Day.
Speaking to co-organiser Danielle Roberts, she said: "There's a lot of normalised everyday behaviour.
"That can be excused as banter or jokes. Many of us have heard boys will be boys.
"So we need to challenge that level of behaviour to stop things escalating up to physical violence and murder.
"Ultimately, more education is needed because our relationship and sex education isn't up to par. There is a big educational need.
"However, at Reclaim the Agenda, we're part of a project called Raise Your Voice.
"That does community education on sexual harassment, and we aim to change culture and attitudes towards women and girls."