16 Days of Activism

Here in Perth, Scotland, we're really excited that once more we have a wide and diverse range of events this 2018 to mark this important event - all organised by Perth & Kinross 'Violence Against Women' Partnership.

Following is a full list of the events which are open to the public, and free to attend:

On Wednesday 28th November from 10:00 - 13:00, Perth's '16 Days' will kick off with the 16 Days Question Time at the Joan Knight Studio at Perth Theatre. Women and girls face many obstacles to reporting abuse - and this can be coupled with different factors - for example, barriers faced by those with specific cultural, age, and accessibility needs that are not being met. Here, an expert panel will introduce the importance of tailoring services to address the specific needs of their client groups.

On Saturday the 1st of December from 10:30 - 16:00, Bishop Anne Dyer will discuss the images portrayed in a series of paintings, and suggest how they can change attitudes to violence against women. Taking place at St. John the Baptist Church, Princes Street, this event aims to shift perceptions and explore the injustices depicted in these paintings in depth.

Monday the 3rd of December sees the first performance of Leaves on the Track from 14:00 - 16:00. Taking place at Salvation Army on South Street, this one woman play sees actress and playwright Naomi Breeze delivering Chrissy’s story to an invited audience. Those present will hear how Chrissy‘s son’s behaviour has affected everyone around him, and be challenged to reflect on their own behaviour and attitudes. 

Later that week, on Thursday the 6th of December there are two powerful events taking place. At 12:00 - 13:00, Thursday in Black will hold a silent vigil/protest that everyone is welcome to join - come dressed in black and gather where the High Street meets King Edward Street.

This action is taken as part of the world-wide network of women, Women in Black, who are committed to peace with justice, who actively oppose injustice, war, militarism and other forms of violence. 

The second event on Thursday the 6th of December - and one of the main highlights of the week - is the Reclaim the Night march, taking place in Perth City Centre from 18:00 - 19:30. Relcaim the Night started in Leeds in 1977 as a part of the Women's Liberation Movement, and has spread up and down the country. 

Returning for a third year to Perth, the Reclaim march is a bold public statement and opportunity to join in solidarity with women everywhere in the world living with the fear of violence, demonstrating our collective right to walk the streets at night. The march starts and finishes at the Council Buildings at 2 High Street.

Rounding off Perth's events is 'An Audience with Jasvinder Sanghera CBE' at Joan Knight Studio, Perth Theatre. MSP John Swinner will start by offering a personal reflection on Perth's 16 Days 2018 events from 09:30 - 10:00, prior to introducing Jasvinder Sanghera to the audience.

From 10:00 to 13:00, Jasvinder will take to the stage. A survivor of forced marriage and founder of Karma Nirvana - a support organisation for those affected by honour based violence and forced marriage - she will talk in depth about her experiences and the way they have shaped her life. She will then look to the future, discussing how moving forward, we can continue to make a positive, transformative changes in our society.

To download a PDF of all events taking place across Perth's 16 Days, click here.

All events are free but require booking - for more information or to book a place contact John Evans on 01738 472589, or jeevans@pkc.gov.uk.