A MARCH is taking place through Weston-super-Mare’s town centre to mark the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women later this month.

Residents are invited to take part in the march on November 25 which will also include a ribbon tie and a reflection with poetry and readings.

November 25 marks the beginning of the 16 days of action against gender-based violence, which ends on December 10, Human Rights Day.

The day also coincides with White Ribbon Day which encourages more men to get involved in changing harmful gender-based behaviours and attitudes.

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The march will start at 11am at Weston’s railway station and travel through the town centre to arrive at Grove Park.

At 12pm, the annual ribbon tie will take place at the pond, before listening to poetry and readings in Jill Dando’s Memorial Garden.

The Soroptimists of Weston-super-Mare, North Somerset Council, Citizens Advice North Somerset and Next Link – North Somerset’s local domestic abuse support provider – have all been involved in organising the march.

Councillor James Clayton, North Somerset Council’s executive member for safety in the community, said: “This annual march is a powerful symbol of North Somerset’s continuing commitment to tackling violence against women and girls.

“It’s estimated that almost one in three women around the world have experienced non-partner sexual violence or intimate partner violence at least once during their life.

“Thank you to the Soroptimists of Weston-super-Mare, Citizens Advice North Somerset and our domestic abuse support provider, Next Link, for all their hard work and support in staging this event.

“Monday 25 November is the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, and it’s also White Ribbon Day.

“White Ribbon Day encourages men to be allies and challenge this important issue, to stop violence against women and girls before it starts.

“I’d urge everyone to come along to the march, or to join the group at Grove Park for the ribbon tie.”

To find more information on domestic abuse support, visit NextLink’s website.