International Women's Day is marked locally

Two female DUP Councillors have marked International Women's Day by attending and showing their support for the work of Women's Aid.

With their resource office based in Portadown, Cllr Carla Lockhart and Cllr Margaret Tinsley realised the work Women’s Aid were doing with women from right across the Portadown, Banbridge and Lurgan areas.

Cllr Carla Lockhart said, “On International Women’s Day we sometimes think of those women whom we look up to, those women who we aspire to be like. This year I decided to focus on the women who are the unsung heroes of our society and those women who through no fault of their own have found themselves in an abusive be it mentally or physical relationship.

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“Margaret and myself decided to visit the Women’s Aid Resource Centre based in Portadown which covers the entire Southern zone area including Portadown, Lurgan and Banbridge.

“I was very taken by the service and what it offers to women and their families who have suffered at the hands of abusive husbands/partners. 105 people are currently availing of this service with 43 on a waiting list.

“This is encouraging that 105 people are getting help and assistance, but worrying that 43 people are currently on a waiting list. I believe there needs to be a greater focus from Government on eradication of domestic violence and that with every campaign to raise awareness about the help available to those suffering, adequate funding must follow.”

“I look forward to working with this group of determined ladies, be it at a local or central government level. It is utterly essential that these vulnerable ladies in society are able to access the right help when and if required.”