Dundee starts 16 days of activism to end gender based violence

From November 25 to December 10 each year the United Nations runs its global campaign

Author: Paul ReillyPublished 25th Nov 2022

Dundee's response to one of the world’s biggest campaigns on preventing violence against women and children is set for a takeover this year, with third sector organisations, community groups and students taking the reins.

From November 25 to December 10 each year the United Nations runs its global campaign, which this year in Dundee will see large parts of the programme taken over and actioned in events and activities important to participants.

'Everyone has a role to play'

While creating, dancing, marching and lighting up will still form a central part of the city’s response, this year social media takeovers, food, performance and quizzes will be added to the mix.

Ann Hamilton chair of the Dundee Violence Against Women Partnership said: “The amount of work that goes into creating such a high-profile and engaging programme every year is huge and it is important that anyone who feels strongly about ending violence against women has an opportunity to contribute.

“Everyone has a vital role to play in ending the circumstances which enable male violence against women and children and whatever they can do to engage with it does make a difference.

“Please come along and take part in any of the many events, either virtually or in person and add your voice to the growing clamour for violence against women to end.”

The 16 days of events:

November 25th - Public event in Stobswell with information stalls at Dura Street car park. A banner is also going to be displayed at the RRS Discovery on gender-based violence.

November 26th - 'Special' club night at Dundee University Students' Association building.

November 28th - Beginning of reclaim the night march, with activists meeting at the Magdalen Green Bandstand.

What else is happening?

Throughout the 16 Days events focussing on reducing barriers for women accessing services, radical digital activism, spoken word and a feminist pub quiz are all part of the programme.

Final day vigil

The final day vigil in City Square on December 9 will honour and light candles for each woman lost to male violence this year and feature a dance event, choreographed by young people from city secondary schools.