Once again the Worcester Craftivists, supported by Worcester Trade Union Council (WTUC), have been using their skills, imagination and creativity to bring attention to VAWG, women being unsafe in public spaces and to celebrate International Women’s Day in the city.
In the week that remembers the abduction, rape and murders of Sarah Everard, Bibaa Henry, Nicole Smallman, Zara Aleena and Sabina Nessa, visitors to Worcester city centre will see over 250 hand-made pennants dedicated to the #justwalkinghome movement. At the end of the week there will be a celebration of women on International Women’s Day (March 8th) at the Guildhall.
Worcester Craftivists are a volunteer-run group of stitchers who use their needles and threads to make statements about social justice, environmental sustainability or whatever they feel passionate about. Their work raises awareness and inspires conversations; it can be a powerful tool for community building, peaceful protest, and sparks change.
The pennants will be hung in the city on Saturday 1 March and removed on Sunday 9 March.
The #justwalkinghome movement serves to draw attention to the dangers that women and girls face in the street. Sarah was just walking home when she was brutally kidnapped and murdered by a serving police officer. Women and girls experience fear and danger just going about their business.
International Women’s Day has been around for more than a hundred years. This year its focus is on accelerating gender equality by increasing momentum to break the institutional and attitudinal barriers women face in both their personal and professional lives.
Worcester Craftivists and WTUC are grateful to Worcester City Council and Worcestershire County Council for their support in these forthcoming events.
Additionally, Worcester Craftivists will hold an interactive bunting-making activity at the Guildhall on March 8th. This is organised by WTUC for International Women’s Day.
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