Walkout event to be held in Waterford to highlight women's lives lost to violence

People across Waterford are being encouraged to talk part in a walkout march held to highlight violence against woman.

This comes as nine women have been killed violently in the Republic of Ireland so far in 2026, surpassing the seven deaths recorded in all of 2025.

Sarah Benson, CEO of Women’s Aid says: “Violence, abuse, and even at its extremes, death, are still a reality for many women living in Ireland.

“After the devastating murder of Ashling Murphy in 2022, Ireland said never again. But Ireland has not lived up to that promise.

“Since then, 40 women have died violently in Ireland. That is 40 women with lives, dreams, family, friends and communities”.

A walkout march will be held in Waterford called ‘Walk Out for Women’ on Wednesday September 30th at 11am.

Teachers, students, residents, businesses and community groups are invited to walk out on this day and stand up to violence against women.

The event will be held for 15 minutes and hopes to bring as many people together as possible to stand in solitary against the women who lost their lives to violence.

People are also encouraged to wear red to the event and upload photographs and videos to their social media to highlight the event and their solidarity.

“This is not about women versus men. We want men standing with us. We want workplaces, sports clubs, schools, colleges, community groups, families and individuals to take part, because challenging a culture in which violence, misogyny and intimidation can exist is something all of us can contribute to,” according to the Walk Out for Women Facebook page.

A Facebook page called ‘Walk Out for Women’ has been set up ahead of this event where videos have been shared of people in the local community who will be taking part in the walkout.

One woman who will be in attendance, named Emma Hallahan said: “This is not a protest, this is about men and women standing together in solidarity for the lives lost in this first nine months.

"Violence against women is at an all time high, and we need to open up the conversation. We need to start talking to each other about what's happening".

“Please stand out, walkout, whether it be from school, home, work or college, and join us on the 30th of September”.