Islanders are once again invited to join hundreds worldwide and march for the elimination of violence against women and girls next month.
Local charity Freeda is inviting participants of all genders to take part in the annual solidarity march to mark ‘International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women and Girls’ on Saturday 22 November.
The third rendition of the event, which is organised by Soroptomist International Jersey, will see islanders march through St Helier from West Centre to Charing Cross and back.
Recognised by the UN, women’s rights activists have observed the day against gender-based violence since 1981.
The date was selected to honour the Mirabel sisters, three political activists from the Dominican Republic, who were murdered in 1960 for their stance on the rights of women and girls.
In 1993, the UN General Assembly adopted the Declaration on the Elimination of Violence against Women and in 2000, the General Assembly designated 25 November as the official commemorative day.
The scale of violence against women and girls in Jersey was revealed in 2023 in a shocking taskforce report, which made 77 recommendations for change.
March attendees should gather at West’s Centre at 11:15 on Saturday 22 November to hear speakers including Freeda CEO Kate Wright before the march commences.
Mrs Wright said: “Domestic abuse and violence against women and girls remain major issues in Jersey, as the VAWG Taskforce report showed just two years ago.
“Our safe home and outreach service have never been busier, we are also supporting male victims of domestic abuse via our community outreach too, and your compassion and support have never mattered more.”