Write a commentNewry and Armagh MLA, Megan Fearon is travelling to Galicia this week to take part in a panel discussion which will look at the importance of feminism across Europe.
It's part of the Galician National Day festival and organised by the Galician Nationalist Bloc,
Speaking about the trip Ms Fearon said "The Galician National Day events provides an important opportunity to engage with other movements around the world who are campaigning for the rights of women but also national sovereignty.
“On the centenary of women’s suffrage, the people of Ireland seized the opportunity begin the process of changing the law on abortion rights by repealing the 8th Amendment.
“This is a historic step, but we still have a long way to go to realise true freedom and equality for women in Ireland and across Europe.
"The north of Ireland is increasingly being defined by a rights vacuum. The north is now exceptional and unique among all regions across these islands as rights provided elsewhere in Ireland, and Britain, are being blocked by the DUP."
The MLA concluded “Women’s rights are still under attack in the most vindictive of ways, women still are refused equal pay, equal representation and access to appropriate healthcare. This needs to change.
“I will also hold constructive discussions with representatives from the Basque Country, Galicia and Catalonia, who like Ireland, are still struggling for national liberation, the rights of women and social justice.”
