UCLan are welcoming the people of Preston to attend an annual anti-violence event.

‘One Billion Rising for Justice’ event will be taking place on Valentines Day (Wednesday 14 February) as part of a global campaign to end violence against women and girls around the world.

The worldwide event takes place on the same day every year, across numerous countries.

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During the event, people gather safely outside place where women are entitled to justice such as police stations, government offices, places of worship, education and other public places.

This year’s campaign focuses on solidarity, calling for people to rise, resist and unite to protest not only again violence towards woman and girls, but to address wider issues including worker exploitation, poverty, racism, refugee rights and transphobia.

It’s also highlighting the shocking statistic that one in three women will be beaten or raped in their lifetime.

The UCLan gathering will start from 11.30am – 12.30pm in the Sir Tom Finney Sports Centre, where visitors are invited to dance together.

It will be led by instructor and World Salsa Dance champion Phil Kaila and Salsa Northwest, accompanied by music.

Nigel Farnsworth, UCLan Creative Communities Group (CCG) manager, is organising the gathering.

He said: “This is the sixth year that the CCG has organised a One Billon Rising event, which allows the local community to join in a global gathering and make their voices heard.

“It is the biggest mass action in human history and we are proud to play a part and show the world that Preston stands against violence towards women and girls.”

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Preston Mayor, Cllr Brian Rollo, and Labour NW MEP, Julie Ward, and member of the European Parliament’s Women’s Rights and Gender Equality Committee, will both attend.

Julie Ward said: “February 14 marks an important day in the calendar for everyone who is trying to end the global epidemic of violence against women and girls.

“It is the day when a billion or more of us dance in a demonstration of feminist solidarity, a dance of defiance against the misogyny that sadly continues to prevail in so many countries and areas of life.

“From the abhorrent practice of FGM to the recent revelations of sexual harassment perpetrated by the rich and famous, the scourge of gender-based violence is a stain on society.

“One Billion Rising is an action led by women for women but we need our feminist men to support us.

“Whatever your gender please come and join us in our dance of solidarity and help end violence against women and girls.”

No booking is required and you can turn up for the event on the day.

Anyone wanting more information can contact Nigel Farnworth via email or by calling 01772 894707.

Will you be attending the event? Have you been before? Let us know in the comments below