23 November 2009

23 NOVEMBER 2009

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Hundreds of women to congregate at violence against women event When? Tues 1 December 09 Where? Drum Arts Centre, Birmingham Time? 5pm – 9.30pm Stunning singers, fresh lyricists, talented artists and passionate activists will be among more than 300 women from Birmingham and beyond at an event to raise awareness of violence against women on 1 December. All women (aged 12+) are welcome at the evening, which is being organised by local and national women’s groups. The last event of this kind, held in January, attracted more than 300 people. And, this one is expected to be bigger and better. The evening is part of the ‘16 Days of Activism’ movement (from 25 November – 10 December) taking place across the globe and we are calling on you to COMMIT, ACT, and DEMAND, AN END TO VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN AND CHILDREN. Take part in art workshops, see films on lapdancing, listen to influential women activists and campaigners, network with like minded women, visit the market place and find out what’s on and happening in your area. Plus, enjoy light refreshments and a raffle. On stage will be the gorgeous vocal talent Sarah-Kate Bennett - former Princes Trust Young Achiever of the Year. Come along and see why she is being compared to Tracey Chapman and Joan Armatrading. Also check out unique lyrical artist Maryam Khan Shafique – a young woman currently working with members of chart-topping rapper group the So Solid Crew. And, catch some future stars of the big screen when the brilliant King Edward Girl’s sixth form drama students showcase their poignant monologues. This event, titled ‘Healing and Saying through art’, is guaranteed to be a buzzing and thought-provoking evening for those who want to enjoy the company of interesting women AND make a stand against violence. And it all happens at one of the UK’s premier arts venues – The Drum. Organiser of the event, Shahida Choudhry (coordinator of Birmingham’s Women’s Networking Hub,) says: “Women around the world need to stand up for each other and make it known that violence against us is 100% not acceptable. This night will inspire women to feel they can do something to help their sisters in Birmingham, the UK and the world.” Waged women are asked to contribute £5 (goes towards Million Women Rise). Tickets are available on the night. Ends

Notes to editors: About violence against women:

- At least two women die from domestic violence in the UK each year. - At least 1 in 4 women in the UK will experience domestic violence in -

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their lifetime. Some estimates have put the figure at 1 in 2 women worldwide. According to the United Nations Population Fund, an estimated 4 million females around the world are bought and sold either into marriage, prostitution or slavery. And 5,000 women and girls are murdered by family members each year in so-called “honor killings”. The World Health Organization estimates that more than 100 million girls and women around the world have undergone female genital mutilation. Domestic violence in the Birmingham is estimated to cost the city £100 million a year, according to the local services and community safety scrutiny committee. About this event: - This event is part of a worldwide movement called ‘16 Days of Activism Against Gender Violence Campaign’. - The 16 days are from 25 Nov, which is International Day Against Violence Against Women – to 10 Dec, which is International Human Rights Day. - The campaign was started by the Center for Women's Global Leadership in 1991.

MORE INFO: For info, interviews, quotes and pictures, OR to book free community transport (from within Birmingham) for the event, contact: Shahida Choudhry on 07968771449 / [email protected]