New Women’s Aid Dundalk campaign encourages people to stand against violence
Through its Weaving a Safe Space Together campaign, Women's Aid Dundalk will hold several local events in November and December to mark 16 Days of Action, a global, annual effort from November 25th– December 10th that encourages people to stand against violence affecting women and girls worldwide.
Women’s Aid Dundalk are set to raise awareness locally for the global ‘16 Days of Action’ campaign.
Women’s Aid Dundalk is a domestic violence service based in Dundalk, County Louth. It works towards the elimination of domestic abuse, offering a range of essential services to women and their children.
This will come through its ‘Weaving a Safe Space Together’ campaign where Women's Aid Dundalk will hold several local events in November and December.
Local collaboration is at the heart of the campaign, which includes a public installation at The Demense in the Dundalk town centre, a lighted canopy made from thousands of ribbons.
This artistic statement features contributions from eight Dundalk schools and community groups. It will be unveiled and lit during the weekend of November 13th as part of the Frostival Winter Festival and remain until December 9th.
Maighread Ní Mhaonghail, Women's Aid Dundalk's Awareness-Raising and Events Office said: “"Every ribbon on our canopy represents voices of a community who wanted to show support for women and children who experience violence by letting them they are not alone.
“A whole community has joined Women's Aid Dundalk to weave a safe space."
Other events will include Women's Aid Dundalk staff led poetry and writing workshops at the Dundalk Library for young people, a song competition and an open mic night at The Spirit Store.
Community members can get involved by entering the song competition, with submissions accepted until November 20th at 5pm.
Entrants are invited to submit original songs featuring relevant themes, such as hope, resilience, solidarity, healing, freedom, or a future free from violence against women and girls.
The winner will perform their song at ‘Weaving a Safe Space Together’ events.
On November 25th from 6:30pm–9 p.m., Roe River Books will host a spoken-word night featuring attendees from local women's groups reading their work. The songwriting competition winner will also perform.
The open-mic night takes place downstairs in The Spirit Store on December 3rd from 8:30pm–10:30 p.m., with participants asked to add their names to a sign-up sheet available at the bar from 8pm on the night.
Members from Blackbird Theatre and the Dundalk Women's Network will also perform.
The campaign's closing event occurs on December 9th at An Táin Arts Centre from 7pm–10pm.
John Moloney, Chairperson of Women's Aid Dundalk said: "These events are part of our biggest 16 Days of Action campaign yet, and we are delighted to have received such warm, enthusiastic support from local businesses, schools, and community groups.
“Violence against women and girls remains an ongoing issue that does not discriminate.
“Campaigns like this one raise crucial awareness whilst emphasising that support is readily available for those affected."
Also known by its full name of ‘16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence’, 16 Days of Action is a global, civil society-led campaign that runs from 25th November (the
International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women) to 10th December (International Human Rights Day).
Established in 1991, this worldwide effort urges individuals, civil society, governments and international organizations to advocate for the elimination of violence against women and girls. Thousands of organisations from over 180 countries have participated since the campaign's launch.