HUNDREDS of women are expected to gather in Belfast city centre this weekend for the Northern Ireland International Women’s Day march.
It is the first time the march will take place since the Covid-19 lockdown in 2020.
Last year, a static gathering took place, while in 2020 it was an online event.
This year’s International Women’s Day campaign global theme is 'Embrace Equality', but the organisers of the Belfast event on Saturday have chosen their own slogan that reflects the struggle for rights in Northern Ireland.
The theme `Stand Up - Fight Back' is a call to action against increasing misogyny on the streets, online, in the workplace and at home.
Marchers and supporters will gather at Writer’s Square at 11am, before marching along Royal Avenue to the beat of samba drums. Speeches will take place at Belfast City Hall at 12.30pm.
Afterwards, a celebration event will be held at 2 Royal Avenue.
Speakers at the rally will include representatives from Anaka Women’s Collective, Youth Action, the Limbless Association, Women’s Aid and two former workers from the Regina Coeli women’s hostel.
Helen Crickard, from Reclaim the Agenda, said the event was the culmination of a year of relentless campaigning against sexual harassment, misogyny and inequality.
"We have selected this theme because we 'embrace equality' all year round," she said.
"For IWD 2023, we chose `Stand Up – Fight Back' as a strong call for action reflecting that we’ve had enough.
"The cost of living crisis has had a major impact and we are calling on people to show the government and society that women are fighting back against oppression and austerity."
She added that the "aim is to create a truly family atmosphere to celebrate the achievements of women and girls".
"It is great to be back on our traditional route and we will be arguing loudly for gender equality," she said.
Further information is available at reclaimtheagenda.com.
