There was a carnival atmosphere in Belfast on March 5 as hundreds of people took part in the annual International Women’s Day march and rally.
Before the march to Belfast City Hall there was a mini-festival at Writer’s Square where the marchers and supporters gathered in Writer’s Square for face-painting, drumming, a roller disco, guitar orchestra, singing and a special Feminist Photo Booth.
The parade, led by the organisers from ‘Reclaim the Agenda’ snaked along Royal Avenue to City Hall accompanied by carnival-style drum beats. A host of organisations were involved including women’s groups from throughout the city, trade unions, political parties and pressure groups.
The women, some of whom were dressed as Suffragettes, sang and chanted slogans as they marched down Royal Avenue to hear speeches from a range of speakers, including Belfast Lord Mayor Arder Carson.
The theme of IWD 2016 is ‘Reclaim the 1916 Agenda’ with a host of key events looking at the role of women in the First World War and the Easter Rising.
Anne Mc Vicker of Reclaim the Agenda said: “Belfast has really embraced International Women’s Day in recent years and we look forward the lighting up of Stormont and City Hall in purple to celebrate March 8.”
To access the International Women’s Day programme go to www.womensinfoni.com
