CALLING for an end to violence against women and girls, this year’s Penzance 16 Days of Activism campaign, takes place in and around Penzance, from Monday, November 25 through to December 10.
Open to all, a varied programme of events will be held throughout the 16 Days focusing on raising awareness around the issues of gender-related violence, promoting healthy behaviours and wellbeing, as well as inspiring action to bring about real change. Many of the events are free or by donation.
Dancers from The Big Dance Company will once again take to the streets of West Cornwall to perform a Flashmob with a powerful message. Highlighting the damaging effects of domestic abuse on children and young people. They will be in Camborne, Redruth, Truro and St Ives.
16 Day of Activism will launch with a Solidarity Night Walk and Vigil, remembering and honouring all the women who have lost their lives at the hands of their partner, or former partner, or someone they know.
The Penzance walk on Monday, November 25, leaving at 5.30pm from Wherrytown Skatepark, along the Promenade to St Mary’s Church, Chapel Street, where a candlelit vigil will be held. Looking to raise awareness and call for accountability, everyone is welcome to walk in solidarity together and help bring about an end to gender-based violence.
Other events across Penwith and in Camborne and Redruth include:
- Drop-in classes at the Old School Studio, Newlyn where people can try yoga, pilates, or a relaxing sound bath
- Series of food and art workshops at Growing Links
- Women’s personal safety training
- Poetry workshops
- Arts workshops at Newlyn Art Gallery
- Women’s DJs Dance night at The Crumb, Penzance
- Open Afternoon at West Cornwall Women’s Aid’s community building;
- Women in Politics discussion at Hypatia Trust
- Bystander Training opportunities for publicans and night time economy businesses. Also for anyone wanting to know how they can respond and intervene safely if they see someone at risk.
- Fundraising coffee mornings
- Women’s Open Mic night at The Crown, Penzance.
Support for the event and the wider 16 Days of Activism has been provided by Penzance Council and by Cornwall Council’s Community Capacity Fund as part of the Good Growth Programme.
Lizzie Matthews, chief executive officer at West Cornwall Women’s Aid said: “Violence against women and girls continues to be a persistent issue, underscored by the many recent, high-profile cases in the media. We urge our local community to stand together with us on 25th November, sending a clear message that gender-based violence has no place in our society and must come to an end.”
Mayor of Penzance, Cllr Stephen Reynolds, said: “The 16 Days of Activism is now firmly established as an annual event in the life of Penzance, thanks to the tireless efforts of the many people in our community who champion the cause of stopping violence against women and girls. I am proud that our community continues to stand up and be counted on this issue that still blights so many lives.”
For more information, visit: www.16dayspenzance.co.uk