Despite a snowy start, followed by rain, a hardy bunch of Soroptimists gathered in Market Square to celebrate International Women’s Day. We were joined by the Mother’s Union, a delegation from Godolphin School and some other women.
The event was organised by FearLess who support victims of domestic violence. Unfortunately the bad weather kept their representatives away but we were able to send them photos.
The theme of this year’s International Women’s Day was ‘Equity for All’, so we joined hands in a circle: Link for Equity. In the style of the ‘Hokey Cokey’ we all walked into the centre shouting out our slogans of ‘No to domestic Violence’ and ‘Equity for All’.
We then formed a circle around the sculptural installation by Standing with Giants to show our solidarity and sympathy with the women of Ukraine and all that they are suffering at the moment.
At the end of the event the Mayor Tom Corbin arrived to show his solidarity having been unavoidably delayed. Thanks to his consort Caroline for joining our circle!
As we were packing up we engaged with some women who were in the square both of whom showed interest in joining Soroptimists. One woman told us how FearLess has been a huge support to her in escaping a coercive relationship but that she was still suffering due to a protracted and acrimonious legal battle with the perpetrator. This is another issue for us to consider lobbying on!
We have already received press coverage of our event (see links below) and a video posted on YouTube by a local media company in which you can see us in action https://youtu.be/Fd6txBtrb40