Locals are invited to join a march in Weston-super-Mare standing up to gender-based violence.  

The march, which will take place on Monday 25 November, marks the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women.  

It will make its way through the town centre, starting at 11am at Weston-super-Mare’s railway station and ending at Grove Park. 

At noon everyone is invited to join the annual ribbon tie at the pond, before listening to poetry and readings in Jill Dando’s Memorial Garden. 

Councillor James Clayton, North Somerset Council’s executive member for safety in the community, said: “This annual march is a powerful symbol of North Somerset’s continuing commitment to tackling violence against women and girls.  

“It’s estimated that almost one in three women around the world have experienced non-partner sexual violence or intimate partner violence at least once during their life.  

“Thank you to the Soroptimists of Weston-super-Mare, Citizens Advice North Somerset and our domestic abuse support provider, Next Link, for all their hard work and support in staging this event," he added. 

“Monday 25 November is the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, and it’s also White Ribbon Day.  

“White Ribbon Day encourages men to be allies and challenge this important issue, to stop violence against women and girls before it starts.  

“I’d urge everyone to come along to the march, or to join the group at Grove Park for the ribbon tie.” 

The Soroptimists of Weston-super-Mare, North Somerset Council, Citizens Advice North Somerset and Next Link – North Somerset’s local domestic abuse support provider – have all been involved in organising the event.  

Monday 25 November marks the beginning of the 16 Days of Action Against Gender-Based Violence, which ends on Tuesday 10 December, Human Rights Day.