By Q Radio News
Despite the horrendous weather in Belfast today hundreds of people took to the streets to celebrate International Women’s Day.
The march set off to the pounding sound of women drummers and it became clear that the pouring rain would not dampen the atmosphere of celebration.
People of all ages and gender, and indeed dogs, marched to the global beat of supporting equally for women as the 100th anniversary of some women getting the vote is commemorated.
People of all different ages involved in today's #InternationalWomensDay rally in Belfast. pic.twitter.com/xDsN8EelnO
— Q Radio News (@qnewsdesk) March 10, 2018
Helen Crickard, one of the organisers of the march, said it would take more than bad weather to keep women of the streets.
She added that today is both a day for festivity and to recognise all that women represent and have achieved but it is also a day to acknowledge that there is still some way to go to achieve full equally.
A rather wet Clare Bailey, Green Party MLA, said the people turning up on such a soggy day shows ‘the commitment of women to stand up for their rights’ and that here in NI we have many issues still to deal with such as, ‘historical abuse, sexual and domestic violence, poverty and the daily sexism that women face on our streets.’
Referencing the #timesup movement Clare said her hope is for a huge cultural shift to happen for women to reach full equality.
A carnival atmosphere with a serious message here in Belfast for the annual #InternationalWomensDay rally. pic.twitter.com/tDUN2qhqmK
— Q Radio News (@qnewsdesk) March 10, 2018
Teenage girl killed in road crash named as Kamile Vaicikonyte
Covid-19 inquiry ‘an opportunity for candour’ from Stormont leaders
UK and Irish ministers to meet amid row over migration
Three men set to go on trial for murder of journalist Lyra McKee
Swann refuses to rule out resigning if budget is not changed