16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence

An email arrives from District Council Chair Abena Akkuffo-Kelly prior to the Folkestone & Hythe District Council Full Council meeting tonight.

"Full Council takes place during 16 days of activism and therefore I would like to request that people wear orange if they wish to. I shall be wearing orange on the day. During my Chair's communications I will make a note of the fact that the meeting is being held during the 16 days of activism and will ask for a one-minute silence or some show of support to end violence against women and girls.

"To my mind those that have been killed or abused due to this pervasive and insidious violence have been silenced. I want to give voice to their suffering and the resilience of those who are still suffering so I will stand to clap.  I will also get my minister to refer to VAWG in her sermon. I know that this is not normal procedure but unfortunately VAWG is normal procedure for many women and it should not be hidden."

You can learn more about the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence campaign at:

https://www.unwomen.org/en/what-we-do/ending-violence-against-women/unite/16-days-of-activism

Lib Dem Group Leader Tim Prater, of course, wore orange at the meeting in support of the campaign. Tim said:

"I'd like to thank the Chair for drawing the attention of Council and the district to this really important campaign and issue. I'd also like to thank her for doing so by asking us to wear orange which is absolutely my colour."