23 NOVEMBER 2009

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Hundreds of women to

congregate at violence against women event
When? Tues 1 December 09
Where? Drum Arts Centre, Birmingham
Time? 5pm – 9.30pm

Stunning singers, fresh lyricists, talented artists and passionate activists will be among more
than 300 women from Birmingham and beyond at an event to raise awareness of violence
against women on 1 December.

All women (aged 12+) are welcome at the evening, which is being organised by local and
national women’s groups. The last event of this kind, held in January, attracted more than 300
people. And, this one is expected to be bigger and better.

The evening is part of the ‘16 Days of Activism’ movement (from 25 November
– 10 December) taking place across the globe and we are calling on you to
COMMIT, ACT, and DEMAND, AN END TO VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN AND
CHILDREN.

Take part in art workshops, see films on lapdancing, listen to influential women activists and
campaigners, network with like minded women, visit the market place and find out what’s on
and happening in your area. Plus, enjoy light refreshments and a raffle.

On stage will be the gorgeous vocal talent Sarah-Kate Bennett - former Princes Trust Young
Achiever of the Year. Come along and see why she is being compared to Tracey Chapman
and Joan Armatrading. Also check out unique lyrical artist Maryam Khan Shafique – a young
woman currently working with members of chart-topping rapper group the So Solid Crew.
And, catch some future stars of the big screen when the brilliant King Edward Girl’s sixth
form drama students showcase their poignant monologues.

This event, titled ‘Healing and Saying through art’, is guaranteed to be a buzzing and
thought-provoking evening for those who want to enjoy the company of interesting women
AND make a stand against violence. And it all happens at one of the UK’s premier arts
venues – The Drum.

Organiser of the event, Shahida Choudhry (coordinator of Birmingham’s Women’s

Networking Hub,) says: “Women around the world need to stand up for each other and make
it known that violence against us is 100% not acceptable. This night will inspire women to
feel they can do something to help their sisters in Birmingham, the UK and the world.”

Waged women are asked to contribute £5 (goes towards Million Women Rise). Tickets are
available on the night.
Ends
Notes to editors:

About violence against women:

- At least two women die from domestic violence in the UK each year.
- At least 1 in 4 women in the UK will experience domestic violence in
their lifetime. Some estimates have put the figure at 1 in 2 women
worldwide.
- According to the United Nations Population Fund, an estimated 4
million females around the world are bought and sold either into
marriage, prostitution or slavery. And 5,000 women and girls are
murdered by family members each year in so-called “honor
killings”.
- The World Health Organization estimates that more than 100 million
girls and women around the world have undergone female genital
mutilation.
- Domestic violence in the Birmingham is estimated to cost the city
£100 million a year, according to the local services and community
safety scrutiny committee.

About this event:

- This event is part of a worldwide movement called ‘16 Days of
Activism Against Gender Violence Campaign’.
- The 16 days are from 25 Nov, which is International Day Against
Violence Against Women – to 10 Dec, which is International Human
Rights Day.
- The campaign was started by the Center for Women's Global
Leadership in 1991.

MORE INFO:
For info, interviews, quotes and pictures, OR to book free community
transport (from within Birmingham) for the event, contact:
Shahida Choudhry on 07968771449 / shahidachoudhry@aol.com