Find out why ‘Living’ white ribbons have been popping up across Wirral

White flowers, planted in the shape of ribbons, have been placed across Wirral to raise awareness of domestic abuse and gendered violence.

These ‘living white ribbons’ symbolise the start of the 16 Days of Action, an international campaign aimed at addressing and preventing gender-based violence.

The 16 days of action starts every year on 25 November, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and Girls and ends on 10 December, Human Rights Day. 

Cllr Kathy Hodson, Wirral’s Champion for Domestic Abuse, said:

“Violence against women and girls is and will always be completely unacceptable, yet the issue persists across the globe. In Wirral alone, 2373 women were victims of domestic abuse just last year, with 50% of these crimes being committed by a partner or ex-partner*. 

“This year, locally, we’re marking the campaign by coming together with our partner organisations and community groups to share our support across a number of inspirational and empowering events, throughout the 16 days.” 

During (and beyond) the 16 days, residents can show their support and solidarity with the cause at a series of events including: 

• Monday 25 November – Tomorrow’s Women’s 16 days launch event from 12-2pm at Tomorrow’s Women Wirral, St Laurence’s Old School Site, Beckwith Street East, Birkenhead CH41 3JE. This event is free – and open to women only. 

• Tuesday 26 November – Information event from 1-3pm at Victoria Central Health Centre, Mill Lane, Wallasey CH44 5UF. This event is free and open to all. 

• Tuesday 3 December – Tomorrow’s Women’s ‘One for the Girls’ women-only fundraising club night at Future Yard. This event is open to women-only, tickets are £12 and available here or by calling Tomorrow’s Women on 0151 647 7907. 

• Friday 6 and Monday 9 December – Information events from 5-9pm at Merseyrail Stations Conway Park (6 December) and Lime Street Lower Level (9 December). These events are free and open to all. 

• Tuesday 10 December – White Ribbon Walk from 2pm, an awareness raising event and guided walk starting at Birkenhead Park Visitors Centre. This event is free and open to all. Dogs are permitted to join the walk but are not allowed inside the visitors centre. 

• Wednesday 11 – Saturday 21 December – Beauty in the Broken art exhibition showcasing work from local survivors using ‘kintsugi’, an ancient Japanese technique of repairing a broken object often known as the art of precious scars. The exhibition will be held at the Williamson Art Gallery. It is free and open to all. For more information and opening times click here: Beauty In The Broken – Williamson Art Gallery. 

Birkenhead Town Hall will also be lit orange on 25 November and 10 December to mark the start and end of the 16 days period. 

For more information on these events and others visit: 16 Days of Action 2024 | It’s Never Ok Wirral. 

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