Michael Kenwood

A mural titled “Girls Just Wanna... Walk Home” has been unveiled on Hamilton Road in Bangor to highlight women’s and girls’ right to feel safe in public spaces. Created by street artist Friz with Ards and North Down Borough Council, North Down YMCA and participants in the Flip the Script programme, the artwork forms part of the Ending Violence Against Women and Girls campaign. Mayor Craig Blaney said the project aims to raise awareness of harassment, intimidation and violence and encourage shared responsibility for safer communities. The launch included a specially adapted performance of Cyndi Lauper’s “Girls Just Want to Have Fun.”

Belfast City Council’s Strategic Policy and Resources Committee voted 11–3 to illuminate City Hall green on September 28 for International Safe Abortion Day, following a request from the National Women’s Council of Ireland. The decision is expected to be ratified by the full council. The article also reports proposed city-centre byelaws that would restrict the public display of large graphic abortion and miscarriage imagery and impose fines of up to £500 for breaches, alongside noise controls. The byelaws face further approval hurdles at Stormont, whose DUP-led Department for Communities may scrutinise them, while abortion services in Northern Ireland remain criticised for limited access and staffing.