Welsh Women’s Aid are inspiring the next generation of campaigners with an online course to mark the end of the 16 Days of Activism against domestic abuse
Cardiff’s domestic abuse charities are sending out a strong message with a workshop on how to be an effective activist.
On 8 December, Welsh Women’s Aid is running a free online course for those “interested and passionate” about activism to help them start their own gender-based political campaigns.
“We recognise that ending violence and abuse takes a whole society approach to social change, and it needs you to get involved,” says Welsh Women’s Aid.
This workshop comes out of a collaboration with Cardiff Women’s Aid as part of the 16 Days of Activism campaign, which was created in 1999 as an international response to gender-based violence. The days run from 25 November, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, and run through to Human Rights Day on 10 December.
UK government reported that 5.5% of adults experience domestic abuse, with a 7% increase in police recorded abuse cases in 2020.
As a result, during the 16 Days of Activism, Welsh Women’s Aid encourages participants to wear orange and complete a £60 fundraising challenge with activities such as running and baking.
The charity has raised a total of £813 so far this year.
The collaborative workshop plans to give viewers the history of activism and domestic violence while giving tips on how to campaign on social media and how to set up political fundraisers.
Welsh Women’s Aid promises, “We will help you to cultivate your talents, so you can become an active activist, raising awareness of gender-based violence, as well as learning to support your own self-care too.”
As part of this the workshop will feature a talk from Welsh activists and community engagement officer Sabiha Azad.
“Essentially it’s more about breaking the silence around violence and abuse,” says Sabiha.
