Galway feminists came together in a demonstration of intersectional activism during the annual ‘Reclaim the Night’ march. 

The Galway Feminist Collective was joined by new activist group Queers for Palestine and other organisations to demand safety for women both in Galway and across the globe. 

The protest began with speeches in Eyre Square, with organisers and participants discussing why the gathering was necessary and sharing personal stories. 

Speakers were focused on stressing the importance of inclusion and widespread activism, explaining that feminists could not only be concerned with their own rights, but must be vigilant in their support of all marginalised communities.

Supporting the trans community

Sarah Corsini, participant and former member of the University of Galway Feminist Society, explained how the oppression of women is being used politically to criticise other communities.

“It is not just against refugees and migrants, that violence against women is being weaponised and used to attack,” she said. “We see this argument made time and time again against the trans community, particularly against trans women. We are being told that the advancement of trans rights will place a limitation on the rights of cis women. We are being told that trans women should not be allowed to use the bathroom of their choice — all in the name of preventing violence against women.”

She added: “Violence against the trans community is an epidemic. We do not get to play the victim in this conversation. We know from the research that transgender people are far more likely to be victims of violence than to be perpetrators. We know that the rate of  violence against transgender women is four times higher than the general population. Again, I am calling on you to use your voice. Challenge this rhetoric. Not in our name.”

Global violence against women

Two activists came to represent the women of Mexico, holding signs that read “STOP ignoring the rise of femicides in Ireland. STOP denying the Palestinian genocide. STOP ignoring that 11 women are being killed in Mexico every day. The list of horrors goes on EVERYWHERE!!!!” and “In Mexico, when women leave their homes, they don’t know if they’ll come back alive.”

Femicide is a term that refers to the murder of women or girls specifically due to their gender. It is usually used in the context of intimate partner violence, ‘honour’ killings, and more. Safe Ireland reported that 2022 was the “deadliest year of the decade for women and children”, stating that 15 Irish women were killed in violent circumstances, along with five children.

Support for the women of Palestine

The rights and safety of Palestinian women were also highlighted at the march. Some participants wore keffiyehs, traditional Palestinian scarves, and brandished signs and banners with slogans like “No pride in genocide”.

A woman from Palestine who can not be named for safety reasons said, “[Women in Palestine] are doctors, they are social workers, they are great moms, they are supporters of their community … being a woman or a mom in Palestine is not easy at all. You have to think on a daily basis that your children might not come back to your arms, and despite that you have to continue.”

Niamh McGee, a member of Queers for Palestine said, “These are the darkest days for Palestinian women. We cannot understand their suffering.”

After the speeches, the march proceeded down Shop Street toward the Spanish Arch, featuring chants including “Whatever we wear, wherever we go, yes means yes and no means no!” and “Drunk and alone, I want to get home!”

While many onlookers clapped for the protestors as they passed, some were not supportive of the message. One man yelled, “You ladies have never been more free!” Another looked at his companion and said, “Women, eh?” One simply decided to yell “Sluts!”

The protesters, however, carried on, shouting, “Say it loud, say it again, no excuse for violent men!”