On 27 November 2021 Todmorden Women’s Patrol organised a women-only march for International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and a mixed rally with speakers.
In solidarity with the women’s march, Engage held a vigil for men and boys from 4pm. We organised the vigil because it’s important for men to publicly acknowledge how widespread male violence against women is and the impact it has on our communities. Men and boys must show we will stand against and not tolerate male violence and abuse of women and girls. This was especially important in light of recent attacks on women in Calderdale.
We asked all men & boys who lived locally to join us from 4pm on 27 November to show solidarity with the women and girls of Todmorden.
We’d like to take some time to thank Todmorden Women’s Patrol (TWP) for organising such an amazing Women’s March. The vibe was incredible and the noise and energy they created was reminiscent of Reclaim the Night marches in London I’ve been privileged to witness!
Throughout the evening we heard speeches from Patricia Taylor (mayor of Todmorden), Maddy (Todmorden Women’s Patrol) and Diana Tremayne (Labour councillor for Todmorden). Women from Todmorden Women’s Patrol then read out the names of all 129 women murdered by men so far in 2021, followed by an emotional 2-minute silence to remember them. We appreciated being part of the evening and being able to provide a small gesture of support from some men. Throughout the evening 9 men took part in the vigil, some who lived locally in Todmorden and Hebden Bridge and others who travelled from Chester, Sheffield and Holmfirth to take part.
Article about TWPs March to End Male Violence Against Women in the Halifax Courier (PDF).
