Hundreds March In Valletta To Honour Victims Of Gender-Based Violence
Demonstrators gathered in Valletta on Sunday to mark the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. The march, organised by Moviment Graffitti, wound its way through Republic Street and Merchants Street before returning to the courts.
Protestors held signs including “Silence is not an option” and displayed tributes to femicide victims such as Bernice Cassar, Rita Ellul, Paulina Dembska and Sion Grech.
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One of the march’s most emotional moments came when activist Klara Vassallo read a diary entry written by Bernice Cassar, who was murdered by her husband while on her way to work. Just weeks ago, he was handed a 40-year prison sentence after reversing his plea to guilty. In her writing, Bernice described the escalating arguments and possessiveness that marked her final months.
Following the march, Moviment Graffitti said the event was a collective stand against patriarchal violence and a tribute to all women who face abuse at home, in public spaces, at work and online, pledging to continue fighting for change.