16 Days campaign launching soon to highlight issues of gender-based violence
An early launch of East Ayrshire’s 16 Days of Action campaign took place in Kilmarnock town centre this week, starting off a series of East Ayrshire events that will raise awareness of gender-based violence from 25 November until 10 December.
Spearheaded by East Ayrshire’s Violence Against Women Partnership, the campaign features a programme of informative and inclusive events which are being supported by partner agencies. The theme this year continues to be ‘All together to prevent and end violence against women and girls’.
Encouraging people to sign the White Ribbon Scotland pledge to never commit, condone or remain silent about violence against women in all its forms will be a running theme throughout the campaign, and pledge signings will be held at supermarkets across East Ayrshire during the 16 days. If you can’t make it in person, you can sign the pledge online at: https://www.whiteribbonscotland.org.uk/make-your-pledge/
Other events taking place include a Reclaim the Night march on the evening of Thursday 26 November which encourages people to stand against gender-based violence. Everyone is welcome to join the march around Kilmarnock town centre which will leave from Kilmarnock College, meeting at 5.30pm for 6pm start.
The Council will also light the Kilmarnock viaduct orange on 25 and 26 November to place a spotlight on the issue of violence against women and girls.
Councillor Jim McMahon, East Ayrshire’s White Ribbon Champion, said: “We are pleased to once again be supporting the 16 Days campaign to raise awareness, challenge attitudes and make clear that gender-based violence and abuse are never acceptable.
“Throughout the 16 Days of Action campaign we will be encouraging as many people as possible to support the White Ribbon Scotland pledge. By making this pledge, you can show others that it's okay to speak out against violence against women. We all have an important role to play in creating safer communities where women and girls can live free from fear, violence and intimidation.”
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