Queens University march for women's safety at Belfast City Hall

Shauna (left) and Aisling helped organize the march

BBC two women standing outside the town hall. The woman on the left has brown hair and is wearing a pink blazer with a pink top underneath. The other one has a pink and gray scarf with a pink hi-vis jacket, she has brown hair — Shauna (left) and Aisling helped organize the march

Young women share their experiences of feeling unsafe on the streets of Belfast, as part of an event highlighting violence against women and girls.

About 500 people took part in the march organized by Walkie Talkie Girlies, an association of Queen’s University.

“You need to let people know where you are and stick together because that’s the best way to stay safe, that’s what Walkie Talkie Girlies are trying to do,” said one student.

They walked from Queen’s University to Belfast City Hall, which was lit in pink to highlight the dangers women and girls face.

Abi Dynan says she takes important precautions when she is in Belfast

A girl with brown hair and green eyes wears a pink hi-viz over a pink sweater. She wears a gold necklace and gold star earrings — Abi Dynan says she takes important precautions when she is in Belfast

Student Abi Dynan said she and her friends share their phone locations with each other and stay together on a night out.

She said: “You have to let people know where you are and stick together because that’s the best way to stay safe and that’s why me and all our friends share our locations with each other. When we’re away, we never leave each other. others, even if someone wants to go home early.

“You need to let people know where you are and stick together because that’s the best way to stay safe and that’s what Walkie Talkie Girlies are trying to do.”

When asked about the strategies in place to protect women and girls, she told BBC News NI: “The strategy to end violence had great sentiment, but until events like this happen where you can draw attention of people who need to pay attention, nothing will.” to happen.”

Hundreds marched to City Hall to highlight violence against women and girls

Belfast City Hall is illuminated by pink lights. It is night and hundreds of protesters are pictured in front of the building behind the black iron gates — Hundreds marched to City Hall to highlight violence against women and girls

Plans were put into motion before recent incidents in Londonderry involving women being attacked in public.

Shauna McKey and Aisling Cannon, both law students, said the reality is that women need to take precautions to protect themselves from harassment and violence.

“Even if you share your location with friends, where you’ll be, the estimated times you’ll get there, and carry a personal security alarm,” Aisling says.

“Also, don’t try to walk alone. These are the things you need to do as a woman to make yourself feel safer. This is what happens, this is the reality for many people.”

Shauna McKey said safety was always in the back of her mind.

“When the nights get dark and it’s cold and you have your hood on and you’re looking around to make sure no one is following you, you panic a little bit.

“I commute to and from college and walk in the dark nights, it’s scary.”

“I don’t want to become a statistic,” Winona said

In front of the town hall there is a girl with brown hair, she is wearing a brown jacket and a gold chain — “I don’t want to become a statistic,” Winona said

Due to recent events, some find it imperative to join organizations like Walkie Talkie Girlies.

Winona is one of them.

‘The news that Belfast was the most violent city in Europe made me want to do something about it, so when I heard this event was happening I knew I had to go.

She told BBC News NI: “When you see these things in the news you don’t want to be part of a statistic.”

Shonagh says passing comments or wolf whistling should never be normalized

Standing in front of the town hall is a girl with brown hair, wearing a brown sweater under a pink hi-viz. She has gold earrings — Shonagh says passing comments or wolf whistling should never be normalized

Shonagh Gill is also a student and told BBC News NI that whatever the occasion, she has to stay alert.

“It’s definitely something I’ve become more aware of because even tonight I’m wondering how I’m going to get home alone tonight.”

After moving to Belfast from Donegal, she said the problem became more common after the move because “growing up it was one of those things you always had to be aware of and then you step out and things happen.” You think: he’s just overly friendly, but that’s true. not normal.

“Even just commenting or wolf-whistling through the streets, it should not be normalized.”