#SayVagina Comes to the UK! Be Part of Planning One Billion Rising in Britain- Workshop Tuesday 17 July 2012

Hello!

I'm writing to you to invite you to join me and campaigners across Britain bringing One Billion Rising and the #SayVagina campaign to the UK! On Tuesday 17 July between 6.30pm and 8.30pm we are meeting in Westminster in central London to plan how we can help make tackling violence against women and girls a priority for every nation.

One Billion Rising is an international coalition of campaigners speaking out for action to tackle violence against girls and women across the world. It is taking place on 14 February 2013 to celebrate the 15^th Anniversary of V-day, the global movement to end violence against women and girls. Across the world the OBR campaign will highlight the challenges in every country – from calling for better reproductive rights for women in the Philippines and challenging Republican lawmakers who wish to stop female politicians using the term vagina in Michigan to supporting women organising street marches in Afghanistan, taking on street harassment in Egypt and backing Croatian campaigners against sexual violence in warfare.

Over the next eight months we are seeking to contribute to this campaign in the UK because we believe in times of economic difficulty it is even more important we work towards a more socially just, safe and prosperous society for all as part of rebuilding Britain. Building on the Everywoman Safe, Everywhere report we want to develop our actions around five themes:

Safe at Home
Safe Growing Up
Safe through Financial Freedom
Safe on our Streets
Safe in the World

This workshop is an opportunity to learn more about OBR and V-day as well as help gather evidence, ideas for action and suggestions for participants in building the British contribution to OBR. All are welcome to attend this discussion on the Tuesday evening but places are limited - please email me to register for a place if you would like to join us so we can make sure we are able to cater for all participants.

If you cannot attend but would like to know more about this campaign and how you could be involved please do let us know- we are seeking volunteers to help in a variety of different ways in making ending violence against women and girls a priority here in Britain and internationally over the coming months. Whatever time you can give, or skills you have we can use you! Please do also feel free to send information which you feel may be relevant to the themes for the workshop to consider. Our twitter hashtags for this campaign are #1billionrising and #OBRUK for UK specific actions - to stay in touch please like our Facebook Page and visit our website.

I hope you will be able to join me and many others working with all those in Britain who want to ensure women and girls are able to fulfil their potential through being able to lead lives without fear both here and across the world.