WI marks the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence

To mark the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, NFWI-Wales hosted events at the Senedd on 17 November with Joyce Watson MS.

In her opening address, NFWI-Wales Chair Jill Rundle thanked WI members for their commitment and passion in campaigning to end violence against women and girls (VAWG). She noted that WI Champions were being supported to lead action in their communities to raise awareness of VAWG and recruit allies as part of the WI’s No More Violence and Not in my Name campaigns. She highlighted some of the current activities taking place across federations in Wales.

A panel discussion was held focusing on online violence against women and girls. Panel speakers included Jane Hutt MS, Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice; Professor Olga Jurasz, Director of the Centre for Protecting Women Online, The Open University; Lynne Elliot, Chief Executive Officer, White Ribbon UK; and Mat Taylor, Senior Policy Manager, Welsh Government and White Ribbon Ambassador.

The winner of the NFWI-Wales Not in my Name banner competition was announced. Congratulations to Minera WI, Clwyd Denbigh Federation, for their winning entry.

Watch a recording of the event below:

In the evening, a candlelight vigil was held on the steps of the Senedd to show solidarity with survivors of VAWG. The vigil was addressed by survivors; Jane Hutt MS, Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice; White Ribbon ambassador Lyndon Roberts; Mwenya Chimba, Welsh Women’s Aid and cross-party representatives. The vigil closed with a performance by Samantha - a darkpop, soul, afrobeats singer/songwriter.