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RESIDENTS have been thanked for attending a vigil highlighting the issue of femicide, held in Wokingham on Friday night.
The event was held to mark the start of The Global 16 Days Campaign, LetsEndFemicide, and to remember women who have lost their lives due to male violence.
It was organised by Kaleidoscopic UK, which supports survivors of domestic abuse, together with Cllr Sarah Kerr. Around 50 people gathered outside Wokingham town hall from 7pm, and held candles and torches while listening to an array on speakers.
“It was a really positive event for everyone that was here – we had a brilliant group of speakers giving very different perspectives,” Cllr Kerr said. “It was interesting that one of the speakers said most of us gathered here may feel we don’t need to hear this, but actually we do need to, to remind ourselves of the importance of raising awareness of the issue of violence against women and girls so that we can embed the shift that we need in society in its attitude towards women.”
She was pleased so many had come out despite the cold weather and the England world cup game.
“An important fact, among the statistics we heard this evening, when England play the amount of abuse towards women goes up.”
Cllr Kerr said that despite the cold weather, and people shivering during the vigil, they felt it was important.
“We’re here to remember those women who sadly lost their lives due to femicide, and to talk about raising awareness so we can change this.”
Friday, November 25, was also White Ribbon Day, a UK movement started by Chris Green, a friend of Kaleidoscopic UK founder Vickie Robertson.
Its mission is to prevent violence against women and girls by addressing the root causes, and to change ideas of masculinity that can lead to inequality and violence.
“It’s about getting men on board and taking responsibility,” said Ms Roberston. “And it’s so relevant that this vigil is taking place during the World Cup.
“It has been shown that when England loses a game, the number of incidents of domestic violence against women rises by 30%.”
LetsEndFemicide calls for an end to gender based male violence against women and girls worldwide. Currently, every day globally, 100 women die because of it.
“To mark this, I’ll be doing the 100 Challenge, with 100 squats a day for the duration of the Global 16 Days Campaign,” Ms Roberston said. “People are very welcome to join me in this, and it doesn’t have to be squats.
“It could be sit-ups or skips, as a way of remembering the lives lost.”
The vigil, she said, was important to help remember those whose lives have been taken or impacted by femicide.
“It’s true that anyone can be a victim of violence, but whatever their gender, most victims are harmed by male aggression,” Ms Robertson continued.
“We really need men to be part of this conversation, to discuss the issue, and to raise awareness.”
For more information about Kaleidoscopic UK visit: www.kaleidoscopic.uk or search for the group on Facebook.
For information about Global 16 Days, LetsEndFemicide campaign visit: 16dayscampaign.org
To know more about White Ribbon Day, visit: www.whiteribbon.org.uk
And for a link to support Vickie’s 100 Challenge visit her 16 days of 100 squats at www.gofundme.com
Additional reporting: Phil Creighton
