Last week on Tuesday 25th November, Community Action: MK and VOWMK, alongside some other powerful and passionate organisation in Milton Keynes marked International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women and Girls, raising awareness and leading the 16 days of activism campaign. You can find out more about what went on and into the day by reading our blog below!
Over the course of the last year something fabulous has been happening across the City of Milton Keynes. While the voluntary sector is no stranger to people coming together over something they are passionate about, the Craftivism project has been really special.
Religious groups, charities, support organisations, groups of friends and artists and members of the public; people came together to make their voices heard about the pressing issue of violence towards women and girls.
After a year of organising and coordinating the final exhibition took place in Central Milton Keynes on the 25th November. None of this could have happened without the tireless efforts of a group of people known as VOW MK as well as help Centre MK, Milton Keynes College and a variety of other organisations who donated time, funds and support. As part of the organising team, we here at Community Action: MK is very proud to have been part of the project.
The Exhibition is on until the 10th of December by Door 16 just outside John Lewis in Centre MK. But if you don’t get a chance to get to see the exhibition in person please do take a look at the online gallery here to get a sense of the artworks that were made.
The opening ceremony was officiated by the deputy Mayor, Cllr Paul Trendall who gave a thought provoking speech. Hot drinks and refreshments were provided by Pink Punters on their beautiful bus outside. Attendees then walked together to MK Rose in Campbell Park for the torchlight vigil for the symbolic tying of the ribbon around the pillars. We were joined by the CEO of White Ribbon UK, Anthony Lands, one of our very own Trustees from Community Action: MK, and Deborah Morgan, a Domestic Abuse Champion for MK-ACT. All gave inspiring and thoughtful speeches and the wonderful Master of ceremonies skills of Paul Oxley of St Mark’s.
As always we are grateful to all who attended and gave their time for such an important issue, least of all Jane Whild, who worked tirelessly to help get the exhibition ready. If you are interested in helping to organise next year’s vigil please do get in touch with us at voicesofwomenmk@gmail.com
The organising group consisted of:
- Aimee Tidman & Josan Race – Community Action: MK
- Anne-Marie Smith – Milton Keynes City Council
- Delia Shephard – Bletchley and Fenny Stratford Town Council
- Jane Whild – MK Fawcett Group
- Kim Priest – Centre: MK
- Sue Key – Soroptimists International Milton Keynes
- Tincy Patel – Local Visual Artist