As we head into the woods to begin our wellness retreat this weekend, I wanted to share a reflection as we approach International Women’s Day and continue the collective campaigning many of us have been doing for legislative and systemic change.

For me, the healing can finally begin.

But healing in the place that harmed you is a conversation society still struggles to have.

Many survivors are expected to continue living within systems that failed them and somehow find healing there. The reality is that healing often begins when survivors are believed, supported, and when systems begin to change.

This week I stood outside the Department of Justice and Leinster House alongside other survivors of rape and gender-based violence calling for reform and accountability. Public advocacy can be incredibly difficult on the body and mind, but it is necessary to create change for those who come after us.

You can read the media coverage here:

Irish Mirror

https://www.irishmirror.ie/news/irish-news/the-person-picture-died-night-36824344?int_source=amp_continue_reading&int_medium=amp&int_campaign=continue_reading_button#amp-readmore-target

Irish Independent – Protest Coverage

https://m.independent.ie/irish-news/i-am-marching-for-20-year-old-me-whose-life-was-taken-from-them-survivors-of-rape-and-gender-based-violence-hold-protest/a77127174.html

Irish Independent – ESAIS Approval

https://m.independent.ie/regionals/kerry/news/kerry-endometriosis-sufferer-approved-for-treatment-abroad-under-new-scheme-reform-is-happening/a1532487746.html

Alongside this, there has also been an important step forward in healthcare advocacy with the Endometriosis Surgery Abroad Interim Scheme (ESAIS). This scheme allows patients who have waited years for specialist surgery in Ireland to access treatment abroad while services here continue to develop.

This progress has not happened overnight. It is the result of years - and in many cases decades - of advocacy by patients, survivors and independent campaigners who refused to stay silent about systemic failures.

As we move into International Women’s Day, a social media action is also taking place. Survivors and allies are being invited to change their profile picture to either a photograph of themselves from the time or to a shared campaign image using the hashtag #IMarch4Her.

This is about visibility, solidarity and reminding survivors everywhere that they are not alone.

There is absolutely no pressure on anyone to take part - participation must always feel safe and right for each individual.

If you would like to continue supporting this work you can:

• Donate to support ongoing advocacy and awareness

• Sign and share the petition calling for reform

• Share these articles and updates to help raise awareness

Every signature, every donation, and every share helps push these conversations forward and ensures that survivors are no longer expected to suffer in silence.

Systemic change only happens when people stand together and refuse to accept the failures of the past.

Thank you for standing with survivors.