16 Days of Activism Penzance

Calling for an end to all gender-based violence, this year’s 16 Days of Activism Penzance campaign, takes place in and around the town from Saturday November 25^th through to Sunday December 10^th.

Open to all, West Cornwall Women's Aid and other local organisations have put together a varied programme of events throughout the 16 Days, focusing on raising awareness around the issues of gender related violence, promoting healthy behaviours and wellbeing, as well as inspiring action to bring about real change.

On Saturday November 25^th, dancers from The Big Dance Company will again take to the streets of West Cornwall to perform a Flashmob with a powerful message. Highlighting the damaging effects of domestic abuse on children and young people, watch out for them in Camborne, Redruth, Truro and St Ives.

A focal point of the 16 Days is the Take Back The Night Walk and Vigil, remembering and honouring all the women who have lost their lives at the hands of their partner, or former partner, or someone they know. Join this year’s walk on Wednesday November 29^th, leaving at 5.30pm from Wherrytown Skatepark, along the Promenade to St Mary’s Church, Chapel Street, where a candlelit vigil will be held. Looking to raise awareness and call for accountability, everyone is welcome to walk in solidarity together, be up-standers not bystanders, and help bring about an end to gender-based violence, both in our community and the wider world.

Other events include:

• cold water swimming sessions off Battery Rocks
• drop-in classes at the Old School Studio, Newlyn where you can try yoga, pilates, or relax with a mini-massage
• a Q&A screening of ‘Yama’, a documentary about Ghanian female surfers and skaters, hosted by Sustainable Pz
• an invitation to visit West Cornwall Women’s Aid’s community building for an Open Afternoon
• a Women in Politics discussion at Hypatia Trust
• Courageous Conversations Training; Working with Abusive Behaviours lunch and learn
• Bystander Training opportunities for publicans, and night time economy businesses, but also for anyone wanting to know how they can respond and intervene safely, if they see someone at risk
• an Out of Sink Sisterhood synchronised swim taster in the Jubilee Geothermal pool
• plus fundraising coffee mornings, a fun pub quiz, and a Groove Lounge DJ night.

Lizzie Matthews, Chief Executive Officer at West Cornwall Women’s Aid said:

“Violence against women and girls remains a constant threat, which we only need to look at the number of high profile stories in the media in recent months to be aware of. We are calling on our local community to show their solidarity by joining us on 29^th November and sending the message that gender-based violence must end.”

£2,950 grant funding has been provided by Penzance Council for the event and the wider 16 Days of Activism. Mayor of Penzance, Cllr Stephen Reynolds, said:

“This is a powerful event with a powerful message, on an issue which is too often seen as someone else’s problem. We owe it to current future generations to call out gender-based violence, and to do all we can to make where we live a safe space for women and girls.”

All dates, times, venues and booking information, are listed on the website  www.16dayspenzance.co.uk  or Facebook page www.facebook.com/16dayspenzance.