This weekend I attended the International Women’s Day rally in Belfast. The theme for the 2026 event was “Strength in Solidarity”, organised by the women’s collective Reclaim the Agenda.
Hundreds of people gathered first at Writers’ Square before marching through the city centre and ending in front of City Hall, where speakers addressed the crowd about women’s rights, justice, and the global challenges we face today.
Too often, International Women’s Day is reduced to a symbolic celebration — flowers, compliments, and social media posts about how wonderful women are. But the day was never meant to be just that.
International Women’s Day is about recognising the impact of women in society and the world. It is about celebrating women everywhere — the progress we have made, the strength we carry, and the future we continue to shape. At the same time, it is also a moment to acknowledge how much work still remains.
Equality is not achieved through symbolism alone. It requires solidarity, action, and collective effort. It requires supporting organisations, communities, and individuals who are working every day to challenge injustice and create a more equitable world.
A Powerful Speech from Mary Robinson
One of the most powerful moments of the rally was the speech delivered by former Irish president Mary Robinson.
Robinson spoke about several pressing issues facing women and society today. She highlighted the growing misogyny on social media, describing how online spaces have become increasingly hostile for women — not only for those who speak out publicly, but even for those who simply exist online. The abuse, harassment, and increasingly sophisticated digital attacks against women and girls are part of a troubling trend that demands collective action.
She also reminded the audience that the environmental crisis is the biggest threat to our shared future, linking climate justice with human rights and gender equality. Women across the world are often among those most affected by environmental degradation, food insecurity, and displacement.
Robinson also spoke about food sovereignty in Ireland, referencing initiatives such as the Dandelion project, which aims to strengthen local food systems and empower communities to produce food sustainably.
Her message returned again and again to the importance of solidarity in a time of growing global instability and backlash against rights.
She also echoed the urgent call to confront the epidemic of violence against women. As one speaker at the rally said:
“Violence against women affects everyone we know — our mothers, our grandmothers, our sisters, our friends and our girlfriends.”
These words were a powerful reminder that gender-based violence is not an abstract issue. It is something that touches every community, every family, and every generation.
You can listen to the recording of Mary Robinson’s speech here:
A Moment for Reflection
International Women’s Day is not only about public rallies and speeches. It is also a moment to pause and reflect.
Who are the women in your life who have shaped you?
Where do injustices still exist — in the workplace, economically, socially, or environmentally?
And perhaps most importantly: what can we do together to change them?
Real change does not come from isolated actions. It comes from solidarity — from communities standing together, supporting each other, and refusing to accept systems that leave people behind.
If the rally in Belfast reminded me of anything, it is this:
When women stand together, when communities stand together, solidarity becomes strength.
And strength can change the world.
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