Why we must eliminate violence against women

Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) is one of the most widespread, persistent and devastating human rights violations in our world today. It remains largely unreported due to the impunity, silence, stigma and shame surrounding it.

In general terms, it manifests itself in physical, sexual and psychological forms, encompassing:

• intimate partner violence (battering, psychological abuse, marital rape, femicide);
• sexual violence and harassment (rape, forced sexual acts, unwanted sexual advances, child sexual abuse, forced marriage, street harassment, stalking, cyber-harassment);
• human trafficking (slavery, sexual exploitation);
• female genital mutilation; and
• child marriage.

While gender-based violence can happen to anyone, anywhere, some women and girls are particularly vulnerable - for instance, young girls and older women, women who identify as lesbian, bisexual, transgender or intersex, migrants and refugees, indigenous women and ethnic minorities, or women and girls living with HIV and disabilities, and those living through humanitarian crises.

All women have the right to use public spaces both in the daytime and after dark without the fear of sexual harassment and assault.

Join women around the world to mark the United  Nations International Day to End Violence Against Women - and take back your night.

Bring banners, flags, whistles, placards and make some noise!  All are welcome to attend the march but if you are going to join us for refreshments please register.

You are also invited to attend a placard making session where you can make your own placards for use on the march. This will take place on Tuesday 19th November, 4.30 pm - 6.30 pm at the TUC Regional Office - please register if you would like to attend.

Event details:

4.00 pm: Gather at Old Eldon Square, Blackett Street, Newcastle, NE1 7LD

4.30pm: Walk up Northumberland Street - led by the Bangshees, community-based all-women drumming group - turning right on Northumberland Road, past the City Hall and into the Sutherland Building for speeches and light refreshments

The event will be chaired by Pat Heron, Chair of the TUC Women's Group. Speakers include:

• Kim McGuinness, Police & Crime Commissioner for Northumbria
• Angelou Centre - Resisting Harmful Practices and Violence Against Black and Minoritised Women and Girls
•  Andrew Towers, Hart Gables - a support service for those who identify as LGB and or T