Global One Billion Rising for Justice campaign comes to Preston
An annual event that brings people together to stand, sing and dance to demand an end to violence against women is again coming to Preston.
As part of the One Billion Rising for Justice (VDay) campaign to end violence against women and girls around the world, the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) is organising a free event for local people to join the movement on Tuesday 14 February 12 noon – 2.00pm the Sir Tom Finney Sports Centre (STFSC). Visitors can join in the dancing, led by instructor and World Salsa Dance champion Phil Kaila and Salsa Northwest, accompanied by live music.
The worldwide event takes place on the same day every year in hundreds of countries. It calls for people to gather safely outside places where women are entitled to justice such as police stations, government offices, places of worship, education or simply in public places where women deserve to feel safe. This year’s One Billion Rising for Justice campaign focuses on the exploitation of women and girls and to highlight the shocking statistic that one in three women will be beaten or raped in their lifetime. With the world population at seven billion, this adds up to more than one billion women and girls.
"UCLan and the CCGUK members have been involved in event, which is the biggest mass action in human history, since 2013 in a show of solidarity and support with the Preston gathering growing in popularity every year."
Russell Hogarth, co-founder and chair of the UCLan Creative Communities Group (CCGUK) that organises the gathering, commented: “UCLan and the CCGUK members have been involved in event, which is the biggest mass action in human history, since 2013 in a show of solidarity and support with the Preston gathering growing in popularity every year.
“Having a daughter and three granddaughters, this event is very close to my heart and one that I'm happy to be involved in each year.”
People are free to turn up on the day at the Sir Tom Finney Sports Centre on UCLan’s Preston Campus. Anyone wanting more information can contact the CCGUK manager Nigel Farnworth or call 01772 894707.
For more information about the group, visit UCLan Creative Communities Group website. Twitter @ccg_uk