There is to be a noisy celebration of women’s issues and rights in Douglas this weekend.

The organisation Women of Mann will once again be marching on Douglas promenade, repeating their original march, held last year, and are timing this year’s event to coincide with similar events taking place worldwide.

Beginning at 12.30pm this coming Sunday, the group will meet at the war memorial on Douglas promenade, and then march towards the Sea Terminal, finishing at 1.30pm, before heading to St Matthew's church hall, on North Quay, for an afternoon of speakers, music and poetry.

One of the organisers, Grainne Sheard, from Women of Mann, said that following the news that the Abortion Reform Act had been granted royal ascent this week, and after the scale of protests on both sides of the argument over recent years, they felt that they wanted to create an air of celebration and carnival for this year’s march.

’Last year, we were met with the anti-abortion protesters, and our idea then was not to engage with them,’ said Grainne.

’In many ways, I feel that we met those protests and defeated their aims with a wall of silence.

’So this year, we thought that we should make this year’s march one of celebration.

’We didn’t plan the walk to occur at the same time as the abortion act receiving royal ascent, but it is a very timely coincidence.

’But, we are not there to talk about just the one issue. There are many topics Women of Mann want to highlight and celebrate, and we would love as many people to join us and show as much support as possible.’

The afternoon event begins at 2pm, and will hear from local speakers.

’We will hear from Jane Poole-Wilson MLC, the equality champion on the Isle of Man, who will be talking about unconscious bias in society.

’We will also hear from Dr Alex Allinson, who will be talking about the passing of the abortion reform bill, and the legislation involved.

’Then we will hear from Haafizah Hoosen, who will be talking about opportunities and a career in STEM, science, technology, engineering and mathematics, and also from Carol Glover, who is a successful business woman. We’ll also hear music from Theresa McNulty.’

More information on the march is available from the Women in Mann Facebook page