A day of action with demonstrations calling for equal rights for women and the Istanbul Convention ratified.
A demonstration on O'Connell Bridge in Dublin to mark International Women's Day calls for equal rights. The protests are against gender-based violence, the gender pay gap, poor work conditions and a lack of opportunities for women.
Similar rallies were held throughout the country. In Limerick, Leona O'Callaghan, a survivor of sexual violence, described it as a day of action and not a day of optics for politicians.
Members of the cabinet gathered at a special session in Dublin to formally ratify the Istanbul Convention.
The Council of Europe's legal instrument to tackle violence against women and domestic violence.
Minister for Justice Charlie Flanagan looks forward to working with international and local agencies to make sure that society shows zero tolerance to violence against women.
Orla O'Connor, Director of the National Women's Council, says the ratification of the Istanbul Convention set a high bar and there is still plenty of work to do.
An RTÉ News report broadcast on 8 March 2019. The reporter is Fergal O'Brien.
