Whanganui's annual women's festival La Fiesta began with a gathering in Majestic Square to coincide with international solidarity event One Billion Rising.
Each year, the worldwide solidarity movement aims to bring groups of people together to stand up against the marginalisation and oppression of women and children.
The theme for 2018 is artistic uprisings and groups were encouraged to tell their stories through music, theatre, film and writing.
Entertainment at Majestic Square was provided by Whanganui's tribal belly dance group and African-inspired drumming group Women Aloud from Palmerston North.
Whanganui groups held stalls in the square alongside visitors from Wairarapa and Auckland.