Hundreds of people have taken part in Reclaim the Night marches in Belfast and Derry with a message delivered that “men have to speak out”.
Chloe Wilson, a survivor of sexual assault, spoke at the event in Derry.
She recently waived her right to anonymity in order to empower other women to speak out.
She wants tougher sentencing, as her attacker Paul Bryan received just a four-year prison sentence, half of which is to be served on licence.
Derry and Strabane mayor Lilian Seenoi-Barr was also in attendance and urged everyone to show solidarity with women and girls.
The march was part of the 16 days of action by Activism Against Gender-Based Violence.
It hopes to bring communities together in their opposition to gender-based violence.
In Derry it was an opportunity to discuss the recent attacks against women in the city and district, and key actions agreed by the council.
Derry People Before Profit representative Maeve O’Neill said: “The recent thousands strong rally for women’s safety in Derry show that people are fed up with their mothers, daughters and sisters living in fear.
“Organisations supporting women, particularly those who are vulnerable, need to be properly funded.
“We have made it clear misogynistic attitudes and notions of women being inferior need to root and branch challenge.
“Relationships and sex education (RSE) is crucial to teaching boys and girls about consent and healthy relationships.
“But men have the biggest role to play.
“We need them to support us. We need them to speak out.”