War in Ukraine means sombre IWD
Tuesday was International Women’s Day (IWD) and along with celebrations, it also saw protests all over the country, including in Cork.
In January, the country was shocked by the brutal murder of Ashling Murphy in Tullamore. Since then, attacks on women have not stopped. At least now they have been highlighted much more prominently but that alone will not stop the violence against women.
Protesters gathered at 4pm on Tuesday on Grand Parade and was one of several organised around the country by ROSA – Socialist Feminist Movement.
ROSA organiser Martina Stafford said: “In January hundreds of thousands took to the streets in an outpouring of grief and anger following the brutal murder of Ashling Murphy and to say ‘never again’. To end gender based violence, we need a movement for fundamental change.
“It's not acceptable that gardaí cancel 999 calls. We will be protesting to demand a tripling of funding for domestic violence refuges, objective sex education in our schools, with consent at its core, an end to victim blaming in the courts and an end to church control of our schools and hospitals.”
Protests also took place in Dublin, Limerick, Sligo, Belfast and Tallaght.
President Michael D Higgins described IWD as “a special day when it is appropriate for all of us to celebrate the achievements of all the many great women who leave such a lasting mark on all our lives, but, and even more importantly, it is also a day to challenge the many great wrongs which continue to be inflicted on women across our society and across the world, and in particular the many horrific acts of violence which continue to be inflicted on women.
“On this International Women’s Day 2022, I know that all our thoughts will be in particular with those brave women fleeing with their children from horrific violence in Ukraine. We stand with the women of Ukraine, and once again call on Russia to withdraw troops, and see the urgent necessity of restoring peace.”
It’s been heart-warming to see the response of Irish people to the terrible war in Ukraine. Convoys of trucks with food, aid, and medical supplies have set off for Ukraine, including many from Cork. Some Irish people are getting ready to extend a warm welcome to Ukrainian refugees, inviting them to stay in their homes.
Is there anything more noble than inviting total strangers who need help into your home? People can be so amazing.
This week the Government has announced a pledge register which will allow people to give support to Ukrainian refugees and the response has been significant. Organised with the Red Cross, the online portal will allow people to offer accommodation.
Go to https://registerofpledges.redcross.ie.
Yesterday morning on Newstalk, Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth Roderic O’Gorman said there were already more than 9,000 pledges of accommodation help for Ukrainian refugees. Incredible.