Falkirk to take part in 16 days of activism across Forth Valley against gender-based violence

Organisations across Falkirk and Forth Valley are taking part in 16 Days of Activism, an international campaign against gender-based violence.

The local campaign is being organised by councils and health and social care partnerships for Falkirk, Stirling, and Clackmannanshire, and supported by organisations and community groups who will host events, deliver training, and raise awareness throughout the 16 Days. This year's campaign focuses on community, youth voice and lived experience.

Starting on the International Day Against Violence Against Women on 25 November and ending on International Human Rights Day on 10 December, the dates of the campaign link these issues together and emphasise that gender-based violence is a violation of human rights.

Forth Valley's 16 Days campaign begins with a launch event at Alloa Town Hall, followed by a youth-led march and workshop in the town centre.

The march sets off from the town hall at 12 noon, with joining points at Alloa Tower, the Bowmar Centre, Alloa Academy, and Alloa Family Centre.

Falkirk Event

The first event in Falkirk is planned for Tues 26 November with Equally Safe Falkirk hosting an open day at Go! Youth Trust's 22 Bank Street base, 2-4pm. A partnership between Barnardo's, Aberlour, and Falkirk Council, Equally Safe supports families affected by domestic abuse and is inviting everyone to learn more about the support they can offer.

Activity in Stirling begins with the Stirling White Ribbon campaign raising awareness at Stirling Train Station, where they will be on hand all day between 9am and 5pm to chat about the important role men and boys have in preventing and eradicating gender-based violence.

Sarah Finnegan, Falkirk's Lead Officer for gender-based violence, said: "Violence against women and girls can take many forms. We know that children and adults across Scotland are experiencing physical, sexual and psychological harm. Ending this gender-based violence won't happen without the support and active involvement from everyone in the community, including men and boys, and we are encouraging and welcoming everyone to get involved in the events and conversations."

Courtney Riley, Stirling's lead for gender-based violence, adds: "Throughout the 16 days campaign, we're raising awareness of what gender-based violence is and of the range of support organisations that are available to people. We would encourage anyone struggling with the impact of gender-based violence to reach out for support."

Jenny Sanchez, Clackmannanshire's lead for gender-based violence, said: "We are launching Forth Valley's 16 Days in Alloa this year and invite the public to join us in a march following the launch event to begin our awareness raising of violence against women and girls."

The 16 days ends on 10 December with a Bystander training hosted by White Ribbon Scotland. Sign up to this event to gain knowledge and skills to use in your day-to-day life in preventing harms against women and children.

The full programme of public events can be found at falkirkhscp.org/16-days-2024, with some activities requiring advance registration to confirm a space.