Local community groups and Belfast City Council are hosting a 'Steps to End Violence' walk at Waterworks this Saturday, 08 March, from 1 pm to 3 pm, to mark International Women's Day.

The event supports the Northern Ireland Executive's seven-year Strategic Framework to End Violence Against Women and Girls.

Led by former NI Ladies' Football captain Marissa Callaghan, the walk invites men, women, and children to participate. It will be followed by entertainment, live music, food, and information stalls. The walk begins at 1 pm from the lower lake, near the children's play park.

Various local organisations, including Grace Family Centre, R City, and New Lodge Arts, will participate, highlighting services that support women and families affected by domestic abuse and other forms of violence. High Sheriff of Belfast, Councillor Fiona McAteer, said: "This is such a positive event, bringing the community together to show their solidarity on an issue which impacts all of us."

Throughout March, other events will take place across Belfast:

• West Belfast: Falls and Shankill Women's Centres will host round table discussions on 11 and 12 March.

• South Belfast: The Women's Resource and Development Agency will hold sessions on sexual harassment and victim blaming at various community centres.

• East Belfast: Walkway Community Association will host a panel discussion with representatives from PSNI, Women's Aid, and the Education Authority on 21 March.

• Sporting Leaders: A conference for leaders in sport is planned for the Titanic Hotel on Sunday 23 March.

The council is also providing a Local Change Fund for community projects, personal safety events, and free training for community groups. Event details can be found at belfastcity.gov.uk/endviolence.