Taking a stand against violence
Did you know that 1 in 3 women worldwide have experienced domestic or sexual abuse? Mothers’ Union, as a leading women’s organisation, believe this to be unacceptable. Much press and research has also shown that cases of domestic violence have increased during lockdown and the pandemic, and the killings of Sarah Everard, Bibaa Henry, Nicole Smallman and Sabina Nessa show there is more need than ever to join together and say ‘No more 1 in 3’, and to call for an end to violence against women and girls.
On Saturday, November 27, Mothers’ Union members will be joining together to do just this. This ‘Global Day’ is Mothers’ Union’s response to the United Nations’ call for 16 Days of Activism against Genderbased Violence from 25 November until December 10. You can join with Mothers’ Union at 1pm on Saturday, November 27 to say ‘No more 1 in 3’ at five churches around the diocese, where acts of worship will be held. These will include a three-minute silence at 1:03pm, uniting with Mothers’ Union members across Britain and Ireland.
These services will be held at:all Saints Church,21a Grange Road, Eastbourne, BN21 4HE; St Peter’s, East Blatchington, Belgrave Road, Seaford BN25 2HE (The Bishop of Lewes will attend this service); St Alban’s Church, Gossops Drive, Crawley, RH11 8LD (Please arriveat midday with a packed lunch to learn more about 16 Days of Activism. Tea and coffee served afterwards); St George’s Church, St George’s Road, Worthing, BN11 2DS; and St John’s Chapel, St John’s Street, Chichester, PO19 1UR.
If you’re not able to join in with one of these services, you can join Mothers’ Union in prayer from November 25 until December 10 by downloading a Prayer Diary at www. mothersunion.org/global-day-2021. During the 16 Days of Activism against Genderbased Violence, it’s hoped that people across the Diocese will also support White Ribbon UK’S campaign by wearing a white ribbon. White Ribbon UK is a leading charity engaging with menand boys to end violence against women. Details at www. whiteribbon.org.uk/day