Why We March: A Stand for Women and Children

This year, FWIN proudly marched alongside incredible individuals and organisations at the International Women’s Day March, led by Alliance for Choice Derry. We came together with one shared message: Eliminate Violence Against Women and Children.

There’s something undeniably powerful about standing shoulder to shoulder with others who care as deeply as we do. Activists, survivors, young people, community workers, and allies—each voice adding strength to the collective call for safety, dignity, and justice.

The International Women’s Day March in Derry has become an important annual tradition. It’s a time to honour progress while refusing to stay silent about what still needs to change. While International Women’s Day (IWD) is marked globally on March 8th, the spirit of the day often spans weeks of action, conversation, and community-building. IWD was first celebrated in the early 1900s, born out of the labour and suffrage movements. Over a century later, it remains a call to action—and here in Derry, that call is loud and clear.

The march, spearheaded by Alliance for Choice Derry, was rooted in intersectional solidarity. The route through the city centre echoed with chants, placards, and moments of silence, all woven together by the shared understanding that the fight for women’s rights is far from over.

At FWIN, our focus is clear: we want a future free from violence. A future where women and children don’t have to live in fear. A future where survivors are believed, systems are accountable, and prevention is prioritised.