After the march, attendees are invited to take part in a ribbon tie, before reflecting as a group with poetry and readings.
The march begins at 11am at Weston-super-Mare’s railway station, and the route travels through Weston-super-Mare’s town centre to arrive at Grove Park. At noon everyone is invited to join the annual ribbon tie at the pond, before listening to poetry and readings above Jill Dando’s Memorial Garden.
The Soroptimists of Weston-super-Mare, North Somerset Council, Citizens Advice North Somerset and Next Link – North Somerset’s local domestic abuse support provider – have all been involved in organising the event.
Monday 25 November marks the beginning of the 16 Days of Action Against Gender-Based Violence, which ends on Tuesday 10 December, Human Rights Day.
Councillor James Clayton, North Somerset Council’s executive member for safety in the community, said: “This annual march is a powerful symbol of North Somerset’s continuing commitment to tackling violence against women and girls. It’s estimated that almost one in three women around the world have experienced non-partner sexual violence or intimate partner violence at least once during their life.
“Thank you to the Soroptimists of Weston-super-Mare, Citizens Advice North Somerset and our domestic abuse support provider, Next Link, for all their hard work and support in staging this event.
“Monday 25 November is the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, and it’s also White Ribbon Day. White Ribbon Day encourages men to be allies and challenge this important issue, to stop violence against women and girls before it starts.
“I’d urge everyone to come along to the march, or to join the group at Grove Park for the ribbon tie.”
To find more information on domestic abuse support, visit NextLink’s website at: https://nextlinkhousing.co.uk/