Published on:
20
December 2024
The 16 Days of Activism campaign hosted by Clackmannanshire’s Violence Against Women and Girls Partnership and our partners across Forth Valley has now drawn to a close.
Throughout the 16 Days, the Council and its partners hosted a packed programme of events, workshops, trainings and stalls to demonstrate our commitment to prevent and eradicate violence against women and girls, as well as other gender-based violence.
This year’s 16 Days of Activism programme featured over 30 community events and over 15 events in schools and centred on community, creativity, and inclusivity.
Events highlighted the transformative power of the arts and amplified the voices of young people and those with lived experiences. Awareness work with pupils in our schools was a key strand of the campaign.
Highlights included a well-attended launch event at Alloa Town Hall with guest speakers from White Ribbon and the Crown Office, youth-led workshops and a march around Alloa Town Centre to raise awareness of gender-based violence.
Scots poet Len Pennie led local survivors of GBV through an evening of poetry where women attending had the chance to share their own incredible words with the group.
The VAWG Partnership also offered free training for the community throughout the campaign period for anyone who may face disclosures of gender-based violence in their community facing roles and wanted to be better equipped for these discussions.
Councillor Ellen Forson, leader of the Council, said: “This year’s campaign has been a real success, and I am particularly pleased to see our young people playing a key role in activities, particularly on launch day.
“Playing such an active role in the 16 Days demonstrates the Council’s commitment to tackle gender based violence by continuing the excellent work that has already begun in our communities.
“I hope the campaign will give anyone facing violence and abuse the confidence to speak up and seek help as well as give our people the tools to identify and act against violence towards women and girls.”
Lorraine Sanda, the Council’s Strategic Director of People and chair of Clackmannanshire Violence Against Women and Girls Partnership, said: “Our Partnership was proud to host this year’s launch on behalf of Forth Valley.
“It provided an ideal platform for partners and the community to get involved and to show our commitment to eradicating gender based violence in our communities.
“We have a strong Partnership in Clackmannanshire and through collaboration and integrated working, we are already making a difference. This year’s campaign has spurred us on to do even more.”
The annual 16 Days of Activism campaign starts on 25 November, International Day of No Violence Against Women, and finishes on 10 December, Human Rights Day.