Why can’t I go out without getting harassed?
There are many ways in which an article about violence against women and non-binary people on nights out could begin. I could list off the overwhelming statistics - that 97% of women between the ages of 18 and 24 have experienced sexual harassment, and that 96% don't report it. Or that reports of sexual assault in clubs in the UK reached a six year high in 2022. Or that 1 in 9 women were spiked on a night out after Covid lockdowns were lifted.
Belfast International Women’s Day: Stand up, fight back!
People of all genders took to the streets of Belfast City Centre on Saturday 4 March to come together and celebrate International Women’s Day. The rally included, for the first time since 2020, a march from Writers Square to City Hall.
The same struggle – unite against gender violence, racism and the far-right
The femicide of 23 year-old teacher Ashling Murphy on 12 January 2022, cutting a young life callously and brutally short, provoked a mass response. In a moment replete with profound sadness, anger and solidarity: anger at the social ill of men’s violence against women in all its forms; sadness for Ashling’s family, for the children in Ashling’s class who lost their teacher; tens of thousands, probably upwards of 100,000, congregated in countless vigils in every nook and cranny of the island in cities, towns, housing estates, a myriad of sporting clubs etc. The government felt under pressure and pledged “a zero-tolerance policy to tackle domestic, sexual and gender-based violence”. Nothing concrete has yet been delivered, however.
After last week’s protest in Omagh – building a movement against sectarianism
Last Saturday (25th March 2023), 1000 people gathered in Omagh following a call from Omagh Trade Union Council. The call by trade unionists was made because earlier that week dissident republican paramilitaries had shot and critically injured an off-duty police officer outside a sports complex which at the time was attended by many young people. The vast majority of those in attendance were working-class people of all backgrounds, from Omagh and the surrounding areas. A "solidarity march" was also held by a local sports club, attracting several hundred people of all ages.
Review: BBc’s Panorama Crisis Pregnancy Centres Uncovered
By Megan Stith BBC’s Panorama (27 Feb 2023) investigated the dark world of crisis pregnancy advice centres outside…
Translink announces further fare increases: We need fully funded, free public transport!
Translink have worsened the blow from February’s announcement of a 7% increase in bus & rail fares with yesterday’s announcement of the ending of “early-bird” commuter fares. This fare hike, which could see transport costs for some commuters increase by up to 75%, is truly staggering in the midst of both cost of living and climate crises.
No sell out deals – keep up the strike momentum!
Both the UCU and RCN called off their strikes last month, claiming "significant progress" and "intensive talks." But why did they back down when they had the upper hand? The Socialist delves into the leaderships' undemocratic and lackluster strategy, and presents a fighting strategy to win.
Review: Not on our watch
The play “not on our watch” produced by Kabosh with support from Unite The Union brings to life the story of the workers of the Regina Ceoli Hostel’s struggle to save the service.
NHS at breaking point: Fight for safe staffing levels
The depth of the crisis in the NHS is difficult to overstate. While bosses have talked of "recovery plans" and politicians of "building back better", health and social care services have continued to crumble.
Anti-strike laws: This means war!
Horrified by an upsurge of working class people taking strike action amidst the cost of living crisis, the Tory government has declared war on the democratic rights of workers and their ability to strike.