Swindon Club were proud to kick off the UN 16 days of activism highlighting Violence Against Women with our ‘Railing against Abuse’ March from Swindon Station to STEAM on Sat 23rd November 2019. They were delighted that Deputy Lieutenancy Nicky Alberry, Wilts PCC Angus Macpherson and CEO of AAFDA Frank Mullane joined the walk with us.
Held each year, the 25th November marks the UN day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and for several years Soroptimist clubs in the South West have held a march or event to highlight domestic abuse, in conjunction with Tara Arkle, daughter of the actress Joan Collins and an ardent writer and activist on domestic abuse and women’s issues.
Lead by Swindon Club and Tara Arkle, 40 plus members of Soroptimist clubs around the South West and reps from Swindon Borough Council and Women’s Aid walked through the town centre, carrying their banners and handing out Relationship bookmarks to the general public. These bookmarks indicate the good and bad traits of healthy relationships. The walk continued through the historic Railway Village and on to the STEAM museum.
The mayor of Swindon Kevin Parry met us at STEAM, where Nicky and Angus gave speeches, supporting our theme and telling of the important work done by Women’s Aid and the Swindon Soroptimists in highlighting and supporting the impact of, domestic abuse. A reporter from the Swindon Advertiser was present and interviewed the mayor and Club President Valerie Nuttall.
This was followed by Luiza Moir from ‘Sounds Like Women’ and her wonderful singers, all fellow survivors and thrivers of domestic abuse, giving us a great rendition of Luiza’s EP ‘Tell Me Why’.
56 people in all attended the event and enjoyed the excellent buffet lunch provided by STEAM.
Swindon Advertiser article about Swindon Soroptimists hosting march “Railing Against Abuse”