International Women’s Day (IWD) has been around for over a hundred years, as have many of the issues still impacting women’s advancement. Since 1911, IWD belongs to all who care about gender equality. Celebrate women’s achievement. Raise awareness about discrimination. Take action to forge gender parity. All IWD activity is valid, that’s what makes IWD so inclusive.
jayne
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WE NEED YOUR VOICE!
Violence against women and girls (VAWG) includes a broad range of actions that harm women and girls because of their gender. This encompasses physical, sexual, and psychological violence in the family, community, or institutions, and includes domestic abuse, rape, sexual harassment, and exploitation.
Have you had experience of violence in any of its forms?
Please share your experience and views in our anonymous survey. Just scan the QR code or access at:
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/OrkneyVAWG
You also have the opportunity to win either £25, £50 or £100 worth of shopping vouchers
This research is being conducted by Social Value Lab on behalf of Women’s Aid Orkney and other Partners in Orkney.
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16 Days of Activism Against Gender Based Violence 2025 – All Together to prevent and end violence against women and girls
The 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence is an annual international campaign that starts on 25 November, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, and runs until 10 December, Human Rights Day.
In 2025 the chosen theme for the campaign resources in Scotland is All Together to prevent and end violence against women and girls. The aim of this theme is to emphasise that violence against women and girls is everyone’s business, and to promote and celebrate joined up, collaborative working to tackle this issue. The Equally Safe strategy states that “No one sector, organisation, or service can tackle the prevention and eradication of VAWG alone.” The All Together theme calls for collective action across communities, sectors, organisations and individuals.
A calendar of events during the 16 Days of Activism can be found by clicking: 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence | Improvement Service
Register for the free Webinar events below:
Tackling Economic Abuse in Scotland – Wednesday 26th November 10:00am -11:30am – Microsoft Virtual Events Powered by Teams
Understanding Pet Abuse in Domestic Abuse and Coercive Control – Tuesday 2nd December 2:00pm – 3.30pm – Microsoft Virtual Events Powered by Teams
Digital Violence Against Young Women and Girls in Scotland – Thursday 4th December 2:00pm – 3:30pm – Microsoft Virtual Events Powered by Teams
Exploring the Intersections of Violence Against Women and Substance Use – Monday 8th December 2:00pm – 3:30pm – Microsoft Virtual Events Powered by Teams
Scotland’s Response to Violence Against Women and Girls in Crisis and Migration – Tuesday 9th December 10:00am – 11:30am – Microsoft Virtual Events Powered by Teams -
Orkney VAWG Development Day – 27 October 2025
Experience training like no other.
We’re excited to welcome Myra Ross to deliver Spider in the Glass – The Spiderlings – Children and the Abusive Relationships training with Myra Ross., a powerful training session that uses storytelling to bring the realities of abusive relationships to life.
This is not your typical training. Forget endless slides and bullet points. Instead, you’ll follow the story of Caitlin, a 15-year-old girl whose search for a better life takes a devastating turn. Told through narrative, this session captures hearts and minds — attendees often say you could hear a pin drop in the room.
In the past year alone, Myra has delivered different and poignant themes of Spider in the Glass to over 7,000 professionals, each leaving with a lasting impact. Described as “reinventing the wheel,” her training has transformed how people learn about abuse.
Don’t miss this chance to experience a session you will never forget.
We are also delighted to welcome Davy Thomson, National Campaign Lead for White Ribbon Scotland, who will join the event to share insights from Scotland’s national campaign encouraging men to take a stand against gender-based violence.
In addition, presentations will include important contributions from Michelle Ward, Head of Service at Women’s Aid Orkney, and Kara Leslie, Prevention Worker at the Orkney Rape and Sexual Assault Service (ORSAS) exploring:
The hidden reality of VAWG in Orkney, including the prevalence and impact of different forms of abuse being experienced;
Emerging issues being identified by services, such as technology-facilitated abuse;
The economic and social costs of VAWG; and
The importance of recognising that tackling VAWG is everyone’s business, as victims and survivors engage with a wide range of local systems and services.
There will also be dedicated time for questions, discussion and reflection, allowing attendees to share insight and strengthen local partnership working.
This free event is open to all who wish to learn more or contribute to the prevention of violence against women and girls.
To book a place, please contact Jayne Smith-Saville at Jayne.Smith-Saville@womensaidorkney.org.uk
Together, the event aims to inspire reflection, strengthen collaboration, and reinforce Orkney’s ongoing commitment to ensuring that women and girls live free from violence and abuse.
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SafeLives Scotland Training
SafeLives offers a range of open course training, bespoke packages and accredited courses that are aimed at frontline practitioners supporting victims of abuse or those looking to understand more about coercive control.
OPEN COURSE TRAINING
We currently run full day sessions, online via Teams on DASH Risk Assessment, Marac Chairs and Marac Representatives.Each course runs between 10:00 – 16:00 and costs £100 per learner. To learn more about each course, follow the links above.
Courses run twice a year, Spring and Autumn. To register interest for future courses, please submit your name and email here and we’ll be back in touch with more information soon!
BESPOKE TRAINING
If you’re interested in booking training for your team, we can run existing packages for you or create something truly bespoke. Check out our website to see what packages we have ready to deliver and if this is something you’re interested in, please email Scotland@safelives.org.uk.
ACCREDITED IDAA (Independent Domestic Abuse Advocacy) Training
This 12 day accredited course is designed to equip managers or practitioners in domestic abuse services with the knowledge and skills to offer a consistent, safe and effective response to high risk victims of domestic abuse.
Dates for Autumn are being finalised soon – if you are interested in future courses, please submit your interest here.Before applying please also visit our website for information (including costs, content, eligibility criteria and FAQ’s).
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Visit us on Saturday 7 December!!
Drop past at Tesco on 7 December, where you can find out how the partnership is working towards ending Gender Based Violence.
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St Magnus Cathedral Light Up! 25 November 2024.
The “Peedie Birds” installation will be held on Monday 25th of November 2024. Open invitation to supporters and multi-agency partners to drop by and attend. Noon-2pm Installation of “Peedie Birds” on the St Magnus Cathedral Kirk Green Lighting up St Magnus Cathedral orange on the evening of 25th November – UN International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women & Girls.
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16 Days of Activism Free Activity Event
Join us for an afternoon of free dance and fitness at the St Magnus Centre, Kirkwall on Saturday 25 November from 1.30pm to 4.30pm to celebrate the start of 16 Days of Activism against violence of women and girls.
