Calling all women and girls organisations across Merseyside! Join us in marking International Day to end Violence against Women and Girls

MERSEYSIDE'S Police Commissioner is encouraging organisations which work to support women and girls, along with those who are committed to ending gender based violence to give their support to an event to mark International Day to End Violence against Women and Girls (VAWG).

The community expo style event on:- Saturday, 25 November 2023, will be focused on raising awareness of the scale of VAWG in our communities and what needs to be done to tackle it, while promoting the support available to all those affected across Merseyside.

The event, being held at the Atrium of Mann Island outside the Open Eye Gallery, will feature a series of speeches and a candle lit vigil to remember those women and girls who have tragically lost their lives to gender based violence across Merseyside.

Charities and 3rd sector organisations are invited to host a stall at the event between:- 2pm and 4pm, at which they can promote the services they offer, raise awareness of their work and crucially, engage with members of the public who may want or need support.

Prior to the stalled event, the Police Commissioner will be supporting the No Excuse for Abuse March hosted by her Victim Care Merseyside partner Savera UK focused on raising awareness of so called:- 'honour' based abuse and harmful practices in our communities.

This event will start in Williamson Square at:- 1.45pm, with:- survivor testimony, drumming, dance, and other performances, before attendees will be invited to march to Mann Island to join the community expo.

Merseyside's Police Commissioner Emily Spurrell said:- "Sadly we still have a long way to go to end Violence against Women and Girls in this country. That's why this awareness raising day, and the 16 days of campaigning that follow, continue to be crucial dates in my calendar. As Police Commissioner, my priority is to create a safe Region for everyone; that means for all women and girls. Last year I united with partners to launch a plan for tackling VAWG across our county and we've already taken some really positive steps forward to deliver against the actions it sets out, but sadly there is still a very long way to go. That's why it's so important we continue to raise awareness of the violence, abuse and harassment women and girls face in our communities every day and we continue to ensure that tackling VAWG remains at the forefront of all our agendas. This event is designed to demonstrate our shared, ongoing commitment to eradicating violence against women and girls and I would encourage any organisation which is working end gender based violence or support those affected to get involved."

A total of 20 stalls will be open to the public, with each table hosting 2 organisations. If you would like to secure a space, please email:- Info@MerseysidePCC.Info with the name of your organisation and the representatives attending.

Please note, spaces will be allocated on a 1st come, 1st serve basis.

Edge Hill hosts Baroness Catherine Ashton to share behind the scenes experience of global crises

EDGE Hill University's Anniversary celebrations will see Honorary Doctor Baroness Catherine Ashton return to campus for an inspirational talk on her journey to the very top of international politics.

Based on Baroness Ashton's new memoir And Then What: Inside Stories of 21st Century Diplomacy, she will take the audience behind the scenes of international diplomacy and will share how it felt to play a part in tackling some of the biggest global crises of modern times while serving as the European Union's 1st High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy; the only Briton to do so.

The event will also launch Edge Hill's 90th Anniversary events programme to mark the University's move to its Ormskirk campus. It takes place on:- Wednesday, 1 November 2023, 12pm registration and lunch, 12.30pm start. To find out more and book a place visit:- EdgeHill.AC.UK.

Politics Lead Paula Keaveney said:- "Baroness Ashton's career is truly inspirational, she grew up locally and was the 1st person in her family to go to University, just like many of our students. Through hard work and determination, she rose to the very top of international politics, brokering peace deals and tackling huge challenges, encountering dictators and war criminals, military action and political instability. Her talk is very timely.  What better time to hear about the challenges of diplomacy in a dangerous and uncertain world.  Her insights on issues such as the Israel/Palestine situation, the war in Ukraine and the rising tensions in Serbia and Kosovo will be so useful to our students, and to the rest of the audience.  We are looking forward to hearing about global politics from someone who has actually been in the room where decisions are made."

The event is part of Edge Hill University's... 90th Anniversary, celebrating the University's move from:- Liverpool to Ormskirk, which will see Honorary Doctors and alumni invited back to campus to give lectures, workshops, and performances on based on their careers, research and life experiences.

In November the University will host 2 more political heavy weights.

On 15 November Edge Hill alumnus and Daily Mail columnist Dan Hodges will give a talk on his career and covering UK politics.

On 28 November former Liberal Democrat leader Sir Vince Cable will sit down for a conversation about his life, career and reflections on the future. Visit:- EdgeHill.AC.UK for more details.

Find out more Edge Hill's 90 years of success on its Ormskirk campus at:- EdgeHill.AC.UK.

Discover more about Edge Hill's new politics courses, including:- BA (Hons) Politics and International Relations, BSc (Hons) History and Politics and LLB (Hons) Law and Politics.