Schools, organisations, groups and individuals will come together on Thursday 23 November 2023 to say no to violence against women and girls.
Local anti-violence campaigner, Joyce Watson MS, has invited people to march through Ammanford, pledging to change the story on abuse.
Senedd Member Joyce Watson will be joined by schools, councillors, emergency services, charities, domestic abuse services and individuals, all making a stand against violence.
Pupils from Amman Valley School and Ysgol y Bedol will be participating in the meeting in Ammanford Pensioners Hall.
People will assemble in the cricket club car park at 1.15pm then walk through Ammanford to the Pensioners Hall for a 2pm event.
Joyce Watson MS, Senedd Member for Mid and West Wales, said:
“We all deserve to live full, fear free lives, but the seeds of abuse are sown young.
“The level and the pressure of day-to-day harassment which pupils face now is both alarming and unacceptable.
“I am pleased that so many young people are coming, and I am looking forward to hearing their perspectives.
“Culture change doesn’t happen overnight, but it’s only through catching young people at this stage, teaching about respect and kindness, that things will change.
“I believe it’s possible to end men’s violence against women and girls in our lifetimes, but we need to start with the basics.
“Abuse can start with showing off and silly comments, then build to more serious harassment.
“If left unchallenged, this behaviour can build to a pattern of violence which damages families and communities, and can cascade through generations.
“1.7 million women experienced domestic abuse in the year ending March 2022. Starting young we can change the story.”
This event takes place ahead of White Ribbon Day, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, on 25 November. Joyce Watson MS began White Ribbon campaigning in Wales nearly 20 years ago.
Since 2012 Joyce Watson MS has worked with the WI (Women’s Institute in Wales), on the Not in my Name campaign. They have raised awareness across Wales and recruited men and boys to speak up against violence, abuse and harassment towards women and girls.
Mrs Watson added:
“Ending violence against women is everyone’s business. We all have a part to play in helping achieve societal change by challenging toxic attitudes that can lead to violence.
“Being allies with girls and women every day shouldn’t be underestimated — even the smallest actions can bring big change.
“We need to challenge attitudes in order to change behaviour, and we need to start young.
“We will not stop until everyone can live fear free.”
