Renfrewshire joins international campaign against violence against women

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Women’s groups from across Renfrewshire are taking part in an international campaign against violence against women.

Paisley Town Hall is hosting a conference titled ‘Outrage : Renfrewshire Against Gender Based Violence’on Wednesday, 29 November.

The day long event will feature discussion, drama, music and talks from a range of invited guests, women’s organisations and workers from a number of agencies. Broadcaster Ruth Wishart will chair the event which has a theme of ‘Mental health and wellbeing.’

The international campaign '16 days of action for the elimination of violence against women' was supported by 171 countries at the United Nations in 1999. Since then, the campaign has grown each year and this year Renfrewshire groups will be taking part for the first time.

Almost twenty Renfrewshire groups and agencies have jointly formed a Renfrewshire Women’s Association to organise the Paisley conference.

A spokeswoman from 'Women and Children 1st' explained the Renfrewshire approach. ‘We’ve had good support from Renfrewshire Council and other agencies plus the involvement from women’s groups who have shaped the campaign.

“Sixteen community groups have each created a piece of visual artwork for display. The works look at issues of violence and abuse and the effect on mental health. Arts workers visited groups including mothers and toddlers, disabled women and a multicultural women’s group to help them develop their own art work. Each group also had a short awareness session about violence and abuse.”

As for the conference at Paisley Town Hall, it’s hoped that it will mark the start of an annual Renfrewshire involvement in the '16 days of action' campaign".

“Violence against women affects all ages and classes,” added the spokeswoman. "It’s an issue that everyone has to get involved with to change attitudes, to stop its devastating effects and to help those who need immediate support. As well as taking this opportunity to raise awareness, we are hoping that the Renfrewshire Women’s Association will develop and organise similar events in the future.”

Press release: Tuesday 28 November 2006