On Sunday 25th November, seven members from SI Bristol and Soroptimists from throughout the southwest joined the SI Weston-super-Mare Club in their initiative to raise awareness and support the United Nations annual “Day for the Elimination of Violence 
Against Women”.
Soroptomists travelled by train (hence “railing”) to Western-super-Mare station to join members of the local Club. Most were adorned in distinctive orange clothing (including wigs) because that is the colour designated by the UN for that day. The group walked in an orderly fashion from the station, via the sea front, shopping precinct and park, to the Commemorative Garden. Many carried banners highlighting abuse against women (again hence “railing”). During the walk, “Loves me /Loves me not” bookmarks were enthusiastically given to members of the public. This publicity material has been carefully produced to define in clear and simple terms the difference between a good relationship and a bad one.
Orange ribbons, representing the number of women in England and Wales who are killed each year by men known to them, were tied onto railings around the pond. At two women each week, 104 ribbons were attached to the railings. Another sad statistic is that 1 in 4 women experience domestic abuse. The message presented was consistent and while alarming in the scope, frequency, and types of abuse it was encouraging that the problem is being addressed.
The group of over 50 people, including Tara Arkle, congregated in the Commemorative Garden, where the Lord Mayor, Councillor Michael Lyall gave a talk and unveiled a bust of a woman. The bust, which had been made by a member of SI Weston-super-Mare, was entitled “Enigmatic Smile”.
Following the walk and talks, everyone enjoyed a tasty buffet lunch in the Lord Mayor’s facility. The event was broadcast by BBC1 and ITV local news.