16 Days of activism to end gender based violence

16 Days of activism to end gender based violence Image

DUNDEE’S response to one of the world’s biggest campaigns on preventing violence against women and children kicks off tomorrow (FRIDAY) with a community takeover and reaction from one of the city’s biggest tourist attractions.

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.

RRS Discovery will also get in on the act with a high-profile banner displaying information on gender-based violence hoisted at the world-renowned ship.

From tomorrow (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 independent chair of the Dundee Violence Against Women Partnership said: “The wide-range of events that have been scheduled as part of this year’s 16 Days give anyone who feels strongly about ending violence against women an opportunity to contribute in whatever way they can.

“The circumstances which enable male violence against women and children can be stopped, but it needs a concerted effort by everyone, and whatever people can do to engage makes a difference.

“I would urge people to get involved in any of the many events, and add their voices to the growing calls for violence against women to end.

“We were delighted to be joined by hundreds of people at last year’s Reclaim the Night march and look forward to an even bigger turnout this year.”

Preparations for this year’s march to reclaim the night led by WRASAC will include a creative workshop to make posters, banners and placards starting tomorrow (FRIDAY).

The march, which will include participants from a number of women’s organisations will go from the Magdalen Green bandstand to the V&A Dundee and take place on Monday (November 28).

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.

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 on the programme have been organised for professionals working in the field including a number of workshops.

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

Union Street Design Proposals Exhibition

Union Street Design Proposals Exhibition

People are being encouraged to visit a new exhibition showing the proposed transformation of...

28/03/24

Family Voices at Forefront of Alcohol and Drug Services

Family Voices at Forefront of Alcohol and Drug Services

The voices of Dundee families are to help shape the way that local drug and alcohol services are...

28/03/24