Remembering Sarah Everard and International Women’s Day

This week marks one year on from the tragic murder of Sarah Everard as she walked home in South London from visiting a friend. What followed was an outpouring of grief that spread through our city and the whole of the UK. It marked a movement where women shared their real life experiences of intimidation and harassment - which we have been listening and learning from - to ensure real change happens. Sarah should have been safe walking home, and each and every woman should be too.

Tomorrow, a memorial bench will be unveiled in Sutton, which is dedicated to all women and girls who have lost their lives to male violence. I encourage everyone who wishes to commemorate those lost to join a group of key community figures tomorrow morning at 11am in Trinity Square on Sutton High Street. All are welcome - because it affects all of us.

As a Council, we are committed to working alongside the community to ensure that women’s safety is seen as a priority and is understood to be the responsibility of all. As a community we must work together to keep Sutton safe.

It is a poignant time to consider violence against women and girls as we are less than a week away from International Women’s Day on Tuesday 8 March. While the day provides the opportunity to reflect on the challenges women continue to face in an unequal society, it also allows for the celebration of successes achieved by women, and the chance to see the work taking place to break down barriers for women. This year the theme is ‘Break the Bias’, which is aiming to address the stereotypes women face and raise awareness around the significant impact bias can have on women’s equality.

In Sutton there are several different events being held over the next few days to mark International Women’s Day, as well as numerous other regional and national events.

Some of the events include:

Art Against Domestic Violence

An exhibition of artwork, produced by local women who have experienced domestic abuse, is being held at Whitehall Historic House, running from Thursday 3 March to Saturday 30 April.

International Women’s Day Question Time

On Tuesday 8 March there will be an event at the Sound Lounge which will include several panellists speaking on empowering women, breaking the bias and creating a more equal world.

The Fawcett Society’s ‘Celebrating International Women’s Day across the 4 nations’

On Tuesday 8 March the Fawcett Society will be running events in conjunction with other charities from 3pm covering gender stereotypes, representation and activism.

Please do join in these various events to show your support.

Councillor Ruth Dombey, Leader of the Council