DUNDALK JOINS ONE BILLION RISING FOR WOMEN’S DAY
DUNDALK joined the One Billion Rising campaign to end violence against women with an energetic dance performance at the Market Square for International Women’s Day which took place last Wednesday.
Organised by Dundalk Women’s Aid, the performance was led by the young dancers from Funky Feet who were joined by students from a number of local schools as well as volunteers from Women’s Aid.
Passers-by stopped to watch the choreographed performance to the campaign anthem ‘Break The Chain’, which was staged in towns and cities throughout the world as part of the global awareness day aimed at stopping the exploitation of women.
‘ The campaign takes its name from the fact that one in three women will be abused, sexually assaulted or raped during her lifetime,’ explained Lisa Marmion of Dundalk Women’s Aid.
Catriona Gleeson from the Safe Ireland NGO addressed those gathered at the Square, highlighting the importance for women to feel comfortable and safe in relationships.
It was, she said, particularly important for younger women to feel empowered so that they know what makes for a good relationship and to walk away if they are being abused in any way, emotionally, sexually or physically.
‘It was brilliant to see so many people here,’ said Lisa. ‘ There was a great representation from across the local community, and we were delighted to have students from St Vin- cents, The Marist, Colaiste Ris, and Dundalk Grammar School’.
A number of local councillors including Cllrs Emma Coffey, Mark Deareym Conor Keelan, and Maeve Yore also attended the event. The Market Square proved the perfect backdrop for the event, as local ICA guilds had installed their Yarn bomb pieces marking International Women’s Day the previous evening. W