News / protest
‘Let us live’: March through Bristol calls for end to violence against women
‘Fuck the patriarchy’ was the succinct message on some of the banners among the crowd marching through Bristol on Tuesday.
Another read ‘We have a right to feel safe’ – a poignant reminder that violence against women is still all too common across the world.
International Women’s Day saw people take to the streets to demand an end to the abuse and murder of women. A woman is killed by a man every three days in the UK, according to a report by Femicide Census, and one in four women have experienced domestic violence.
is needed now More than ever
Organised by Bristol Feminist Collective, the march took a particular route from College Green through the city centre, pausing outside Bridewell Police Station, Bristol Magistrates’ Court and Pryzm nightclub.
A banner was attached to each building, alongside a sheet of statistics detailing incidents and ways in which women have been let down and demanding better.
Jess Jones of the Bristol Feminist Collective said: “Women are being failed. The government, the police, the courts, the places we work and socialise and study – they are all failing us. We must stand up and protect ourselves and find our own solutions to bring an end to violence against women.”
Chants of “let us live”, “sexual violence has to go” and “no means no” rang out across the busy city streets as the protesters made their voices heard in a march that coincided with others in London, Liverpool, Plymouth, Cardiff and Edinburgh.
Bristol Feminist Collective organised the march through Bristol on International Women’s Day – photo Rob Browne
Coming to a halt outside Pryzm next to Millennium Square, a number of protesters spoke about their own experiences and reasons for turning out.
One women, who was in tears after speaking about her own ordeal was supported by cries of “we believe you”. The importance of sex workers’ rights was highlighted, as was the violence inflicted against women in Latin America as people from different countries and backgrounds stood united.
Concluding the protest, one speaker stated: “If your feminism excludes anybody, any trans people, any non-binary people, any sex workers, any marginalised groups then you are not a feminist.”
‘Fuck the patriarchy’ – photo: Ellie Pipe
The march finished outside Pryzm nightclub – photo: Ellie Pipe
Protesters demanded an end to violence against women – photo: Rob Browne
…………………………………
This Bristol24/7 content is made possible by contributions from our members. In February and March, we are on a mission to get to 1000 supporter members. Membership is £5 per month and allows us to continue our important work bringing you the best stories in Bristol. If you enjoy reading our articles, please consider supporting us and join today.
…………………………………
Main photo: Rob Browne
Read more: New plaque to commemorate first women priests ordained at Bristol Cathedral
Listen to the latest episode of the Bristol 24/7 Behind the Headlines podcast:
Our top newsletters emailed directly to you
