Today, Tuesday 25 November is the United Nations International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women.
St Mary’s Church in Banbury is bringing the community together to raise awareness of the issue and to be a voice for those affected by gender-based violence. Events include a prayer service and a space where people can gather to talk or spend time quietly. At 6.30pm there will be a Reclaim the Night walk around the town centre, starting at the church.
Reflecting on the statistic that almost one in three women have been subjected to physical or sexual violence across the world the Revd Serena Tajima said: “When I shared that statistic during a service recently it did genuinely bring to me to tears. It is something therefore that is so important that we mark and that we do something to about and give voice to.
“I think it’s really important that everyone is aware that this is going on and this is not going anywhere.”
Serena added she felt Christians were obligated to speak out against violence of any type particularly against women and girls, advocating for equality as we were created.
The day also marks the beginning of 16 Days of Activism led by the UN for Women. Our link diocese in Kimberley and Kuruman has created this resource which includes the following prayer from our racial justice adviser the Revd Polly Falconer.
Heavenly Father,
as we begin this period of activism against gender-based violence,
we lift up to you all whose lives are affected by abuse and trauma.
We pray that with your healing hand placed upon them;
they will find courage, peace and hope for the future.
We pray also that the perpetrators will see the error of their ways
and will step from the darkness into light.
In Jesus name we pray. Amen