Women from all walks of life joined the march, and I’d like to draw attention to one lady who was particularly inspiring. She shared with me that she’s been attending the RTN marches since the very first one in 1977. How inspiring. I looked at her with awe, but then I realised that she shouldn’t need to march still, all these years later. Why are women still oppressed in 2024?
I looked at her with awe, but then I realised that she shouldn’t need to march still, all these years later.
The march was incredibly emotional, and I felt so empowered. We started at Bigg Market and made our way to quayside to finish at the Baltic. I was given a whistle and encouraged to make as much noise as possible! The most shocking part of this protest (and the most ironic one) was the men lingering at the sides, laughing. One even approached the woman next to me and whilst declaring that he “did not know there was any violence against women” proved his point by invading her space. I felt great satisfaction blowing my whistle at him.
At the end of the march, there were various guest speakers who spoke such emotional words. We held our torches up for a minute’s silence dedicated to all the women and girls who have died at the hands of men. I feel forever moved. I encourage all who identify as women, and those who feel that women’s spaces are right for them, to join this march. I’ll see you next year.