16 Days of activism to end gender based violence

DUNDEE’S response to one of the world’s biggest campaigns on preventing violence against women and children is set for a takeover this year, with third sector organisations, community groups and students taking the reins.

From November 25 to December 10 each year the United Nations runs its global campaign, which this year in Dundee will see large parts of the programme taken over and actioned in events and activities important to participants.

While creating, dancing, marching and lighting up will still form a central part of the city’s response, this year social media takeovers, food, performance and quizzes will be added to the mix.

Ann Hamilton chair of the Dundee Violence Against Women Partnership said: “The amount of work that goes into creating such a high-profile and engaging programme every year is huge and it is important that anyone who feels strongly about ending violence against women has an opportunity to contribute.

“Everyone has a vital role to play in ending the circumstances which enable male violence against women and children and whatever they can do to engage with it does make a difference.

“Please come along and take part in any of the many events, either virtually or in person and add your voice to the growing clamour for violence against women to end.”

To launch this year’s activism members of the community in Stobswell will shine a light on violence against women across their social media channels as well as hosting a public event with coffee and cake, artwork and information stalls at Dura Street car park on November 25.

One of the city’s major tourist attractions will also get in on the act the same day as a banner displaying information on gender-based violence is hoisted at the RRS Discovery.

A special club night uniting Dundee University Students’ Association and Dundee University will be hosted on Saturday November 26, at which the whole DUSA building will be taken over by taken over by female DJs and karaoke. The night will also feature a Calm Zone with WRASAC and the city’s Safezone bus.

Monday November 28 will mark this year’s march to reclaim the night led by WRASAC with participants from other women’s organisation and taking in a route from the Magdalen Green bandstand to the V&A Dundee.

Preparations for the march will include a creative workshop to make posters, banners and placards starting on November 25.

Throughout the 16 Days events focussing on reducing barriers for women accessing services, radical digital activism, spoken word and a feminist pub quiz are all part of the programme.

The final day vigil in City Square on December 9 will honour and light candles for each woman lost to male violence this year and feature a dance event, choreographed by young people from city secondary schools.

Other events for professionals working in the field will include workshops and a summit.

Full details of this year’s programme and how to get involved can be found at https://www.dvawp.co.uk/news/16-days-2022

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