Sarah Harte: Time for a new beginning after another year of violence against women

An activist wears a message on her face mask saying ‘stop killing us’ during a protest in Lebanon against the death of Mahsa Amini in Iran. Picture: AP Photo/Hassan Ammar

We're on the countdown to a new year. In theory, this is a chance for a new beginning. The National Women’s Council of Ireland has described 2022 as “a difficult year for women”. Raking over the coals of the year, it’s safe to say that globally women continue to face varying degrees of violence, discrimination, and exclusion.

In January, we began the year with Ashling Murphy’s murder. Justice Minister Helen McEntee promised a zero-tolerance approach to gender-based violence.