Silent march in Schaerbeek calls for action on femicide

About 200 people took part in a silent march in Schaerbeek over the weekend calling for stronger action against femicide.

The march honoured 24-year-old Gloria Odia (pictured), who was killed by her ex-partner despite having previously alerted police to the threat. Participants walked through the commune before gathering for speeches.

“We want this to stop happening,” Gloria’s father said. “This march is for that purpose, to awaken politicians.”

Organisers said the case reflects broader structural failures in protecting victims of domestic violence.

“Gloria did not have an easy life,” said co-organiser Primrose Ntumba. “Her ex-partner took her life, even though she had notified the police multiple times. She was scared, she was afraid.”

Speakers also criticised what they see as a lack of effective response from authorities.

“Gloria had alerted the police several times, the threat was known. Yet, no effective protection was put in place,” said Maïté Meeûs, founder of #BalanceTonBar, a Belgian feminist movement on social media dedicated to exposing sexual harassment, violence, and drugging against women.

Activists say the issue goes beyond individual cases. “For eight years we have been asking for state responsibility regarding femicide statistics,” said Malika Roelants of the March 8th Collective, a feminist movement that organises demonstrations for International Women’s Day.

“There is no budget allocated by the government to reduce femicides.”

The march ended with a call for better protection measures, improved data collection and increased funding to combat gender-based violence.