Londonderry: Rally held in response to reported attacks on women

Waterside resident Diane Greer said she was the keynote speaker at a rally calling for greater safety for women in Guildhall Square more than 35 years ago and it was a bitter disappointment to see things had not really improved.

“I remember we held this rally after a number of attacks on women near Derry Walls and we decided to hold a rally with a number of women’s organisations,” she said.

“There were about a hundred women who met at Diamond and marched down Shipquay Street and held a rally just like this in Guildhall Square,” she said.

“It’s incredibly disappointing that we’re here again after all these years, after a series of attacks, it’s really sad.”

Ms Greer said that “there was definitely a sense of fear” and that she noticed that she had “moderated her own behaviour” because she no longer felt safe doing some of the things she once enjoyed.

“I love walking in forests and exploring remote places on my own, but I don’t feel safe doing that anymore,” she said.

“I have a daughter and I have grandchildren, and I’m here today for them because they shouldn’t have to live in fear; no woman should have to live in fear.”