On International Women's Day 8 March, Belfast will host the Afghan Women Solidarity Concert to end oppression and violence against women and girls

Special guests locally and internationally flying in to perform with musicians form the Ulster Orchestra.

A fringe programme with events 9 - 11 March will include businesses, community groups and schools.

The is a collaborative multi partnership event and programme across all sectors.

We are seeking businesses, foundations and individual donors to support different elements.

Right now music is banned by the regime in Afghanistan. girls are not allowed to go to school and women have no rights, not even the right to speak in public. Violence against women and girls is encouraged by the regime and child girls for sale for marriage is a growing industry. Belfast was awarded UNESCO City of Music status three months after the Taliban took control of Kabul and banned music. Between 2019 and 2024, 30 women and girls across Northern Ireland were tragically murdered.

www.beyondskin.net/iwd25