Lights for Rights in Brussels during Trump inauguration

Thousands are expected to gather on Place de la Monnaie in central Brussels on Friday for the Lights for Rights event, which has been organised to coincide with the inauguration of Donald Trump as the 45th president of the United States. The event is being organised by several non-profit groups.

Many protests and marches are scheduled to take place around the world at the weekend, most notably the Women’s March on Washington on Saturday. “We stand in solidarity with those marching in Washington and around the world,” said Emma Woodford, one of the organisers of Lights for Rights. “The politics of sexism and intolerance are not confined to the United States. Donald Trump’s election is a symptom of this global affliction.”

The event, which begins at 17.00, will include speeches, concerts by samba bands and Brussels’ “urban gypsy” Bai Kamara, the lighting of candles and a moment of silence. The event will end with local choirs leading the crowd in singing the John Lennon song “Imagine”.

“As a new US president takes his oath, we will instead celebrate our shared belief that women’s rights are human rights,” said co-organiser Tanja Gohlert. “Many who never before considered themselves activists have been galvanised. We are united, ready to protect the rights of women and girls, and all who have been made to feel vulnerable.”