Penzance to Spotlight Gender-Based Violence with 16 Days of Activism

Penzance is joining the global call to end violence against women and girls with its annual 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence. Running from Monday, 25th November, to Sunday, 10th December, the campaign will feature a packed programme of events across the region, focusing on raising awareness, promoting healthy behaviours, and inspiring real change.

The campaign launches with a Solidarity Night Walk and Vigil on 25th November, honouring women who have lost their lives to gender-based violence. The walk begins at 5:30pm from Wherrytown Skatepark, following the Promenade to St Mary’s Church on Chapel Street, where a candlelit vigil will take place. The event is open to all, aiming to raise awareness and call for accountability while uniting the community against gender violence.

Performances, Workshops, and Training Across Cornwall

A standout feature of this year’s campaign is the return of dancers from The Big Dance Company, who will perform a powerful flash mob in Camborne, Redruth, Truro, and St Ives. Their routine highlights the devastating effects of domestic abuse on children and young people.

Other activities include:

• Wellbeing classes such as yoga, pilates, and sound baths at the Old School Studio, Newlyn.
• Food and art workshops at Growing Links.
• Arts workshops at Newlyn Art Gallery.
• Women’s personal safety training and poetry workshops.
• A Women’s Open Mic Night at The Crown.
• A Women’s DJs Dance Night at The Crumb.
• Bystander Training for publicans, night-time economy businesses, and anyone interested in learning safe ways to intervene if they see someone at risk.
• A Women in Politics discussion at Hypatia Trust.
• An open afternoon at West Cornwall Women’s Aid’s community building.
• Fundraising coffee mornings and more.

Proceeds from the events will support West Cornwall Women’s Aid, which offers critical services to women affected by domestic abuse or sexual violence. These services include a helpline, outreach, counselling, and refuge sanctuary, as well as prevention and early intervention programmes.

Community and Council Support

Lizzie Matthews, Chief Executive Officer at West Cornwall Women’s Aid, emphasised the importance of standing together against violence:
“Violence against women and girls continues to be a persistent issue, underscored by the many recent, high-profile cases in the media. We urge our local community to stand together with us on 25th November, sending a clear message that gender-based violence has no place in our society and must come to an end.”

Mayor of Penzance, Stephen Reynolds, praised the campaign’s impact:
“The 16 Days of Activism is now firmly established as an annual event in the life of Penzance, thanks to the tireless efforts of the many people in our community who champion the cause of stopping violence against women and girls. I am proud that our community continues to stand up and be counted on this issue that still blights so many lives.”

Get Involved

The 16 Days of Activism is supported by Penzance Council and Cornwall Council’s Community Capacity Fund under the Good Growth Programme. Many of the events are free or by donation, making it easy for everyone to participate.

For a full calendar of events, visit www.16dayspenzance.co.uk.