Pop up choir raises awareness of gender-based violence
A special pop-up choir has been performing in Exeter today
Devon Rape Crisis have been continuing their series of events to mark 16 days of activism against gender-based violence.
They performed two songs outside the Guildhall shopping centre.
A spokesperson said: "The two songs we will be preforming are Something Inside So Strong was written by Labi Siffre and Ke Arona.
" This is a protest song from South Africa in the Sotho language. It means “Power to the People’ and became popular during the anti-apartheid struggles in South Africa.
"The 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence is an annual international campaign that starts on 25 November, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, and runs until 10 December, Human Rights Day.
"It aims to raise awareness and call for changes at local, national and international level to end violence against women and girls."
Mandy Barnes, of Devon Rape Crisis, added: “I’m delighted that DRCSAS are hosting further events to highlight gender violence for 16 Days of Activism.
"In addition to our Reclaim the Night marches, these events will increase visibility of this important issue and the work we do.”
Reclaim the Night Torbay is an inclusive event and will take place on Thursday 8th December. Starting with a gathering at Torquay Town Hall from 5.45pm, where people from Torbay and the surrounding areas will join together in solidarity against harassment, intimidation and violence on our city streets. The walk itself starts at 6pm finishing at Vaughan Parade.
Chair of the Planning Group, Mandy Barnes, said: “The march is happening during the 16 days of action, which are between the UN International Day for the Elimination of Violence against women and girls — 25th November and the 10th December which is Human Rights Day. This reminds us all that violence and harassment is still an ongoing concern for women in Torbay and Devon as well as across the globe and that it is a human right for us to be able to feel safe out on the streets where we live.”
Caroline Voaden from Devon RCSAS said: “Reclaim the Night events have been hosted across the country since 1977 and we are so pleased to be generating more and more interest in our annual protest in Torquay. We know that many people have never been on a march before and may feel slightly unsure about joining in but we would encourage anyone who cares about women and children to come along. The atmosphere will be light, you will be amongst people who feel the same as you and the walk is about visibility rather than confrontation. Marshalls ensure this event is safe for everyone, including children”.
Emma Pope from Feminist Devon said: “Women have been socially, culturally and economically conditioned to defer to men, we want to challenge this. We want women at Reclaim the Night to lead, feel strong, safe and empowered.”