March 4 Justice being held in Brisbane CBD on Monday

Thousands of people have gathered in the Brisbane CBD for the Women’s March4Justice, with one participant describing the event was “empowering”.

Thousands of people have gathered at King George Square in the Brisbane CBD for the Women’s March4Justice.

Guest speaker Debbie Fletcher, who spent 17 years working in the child protection field in Queensland, said “enough is enough”.

IN PICTURES: THOUSANDS JOIN BRISBANE MARCH4JUSTICE

“We’ve had enough. I’ve had enough,” she said.

“I’m sick of reading about rapes and sexual assaults on social media.

“I will continue to raise my voice while women in Australia continue to be harmed, abused, assaulted and murdered.

“We are here because we have a dream of living free from violence.”

Thousands of women have gathered for the March4Justice event in Brisbane CBD. Picture: RACQ

Wendy Merefield-Ward said she was “hoping for action and change”.

“I suppose I’m marching for the fact that we’re in 2021, and yet we still haven’t made much progress in terms of women in politics, business or anything like that,” she said.

Wendy Merefield-Ward said there hadn’t been much progress in terms of women in politics or business. Picture: Brad Fleet

“We have a system that likes it the way it is; where the men get favoured and the women get shot out.

“I think there is a bit of a mixture (of feelings). You feel very despondent about things but at the same time you want to feel hope that if perhaps enough people stand up then things can change for the better.”

Former politician, journalist, athlete and disability advocate Ali France was at the Brisbane march, holding a sign that read: “Could not be more outraged”.

The amputee tweeted a photo of herself at the march and said: “Disabled women say ENOUGH!”

Disabled women say ENOUGH! @march4justiceau #March4Justice #March4JusticeBrisbane pic.twitter.com/vYHta0eIoo

— Ali France (@alifrance5) March 15, 2021

Kath Lucas told The Courier-Mail today was “empowering”.

“It’s empowering and so important we have been silent for way too long,” she said.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk was at the event, which is calling for justice for victims of sexual assault, protesting against violence against women and misogyny.

Minister for Education, Industrial Relations and Racing Grace Grace was also there.

Marches were taking place across the country, with thousands turning out at the Brisbane event.

Earlier this morning, Ms Palaszczuk said she and other female ministers would be attending the march.

She said “more needs to be done” to ensure women’s voices are heard.

“After speaking with female ministers in my Cabinet, we feel very strongly about this and we will be absolutely showing our support,” she said.

Participants in the Women's March4Justice in Brisbane. Picture: Sophie Chirgwin

“After Cabinet we will be going down to Parliament House to show our support for a large number of women I think right across Australia who support that more needs to be done to allow women’s voices to be heard.”

Thousands take part in the Women's March4Justice in Brisbane. Picture: Sophie Chirgwin

Ms Palaszczuk said the Deputy Premier and Treasurer would also be attending, and that there are no concerns about COVID since the event is outside.

The official Brisbane Women’s March 4 Justice Facebook event says the march is inclusive for anyone who wishes to show their support.

The sign says it all. #March4Justice Brisbane pic.twitter.com/u2YxYxCc90

— Sophie Chirgwin (@SophieChirgwin) March 15, 2021

“We are an inclusive group and we welcome all who wish to voice their outrage at the injustice experienced by women and all those that are vulnerable,” it reads.

“We kindly ask that banners are written with this in mind. Men are welcome but as allies (basically, this is not your day and we don’t want to hear “Not all Men” …)

“We are a peaceful protest that is open to families, young children, people with disabilities and basically everybody.

“Any hate toward any group will not be tolerated. We are marching to end the structural systems that benefit and maintain the patriarchy and we all have our own personal and collective reasons for wishing to be involved.

“We welcome all women and all people (except any that seek to silence or oppress). We thank the women and those who have fought tirelessly before us and we march encouraged and inspired by your actions.”

Women’s March 4 Justice event began today at King George Square at 12pm and proceeded through Adelaide St, Edward St, Charlotte St, George St to Speakers’ Corner at parliament.