Will Penzance’s 16 Days of Activism 2025 Be Its Most Powerful Yet?

Published On: 15 November 2025Last Updated: 15 November 2025By CornishStuff

Penzance is preparing for its fifth year of taking part in the global 16 Days of Activism Campaign, running from 25th November to 10th December. The movement, driven locally by a grassroots group of survivors, supporters and activists, focuses on ending all violence against women and girls.

A Global Crisis Highlighted in Cornwall

The campaign draws attention to the scale of gender based violence. According to the release, one in three women will experience violence in their lifetime, and every 10 minutes a woman or girl is intentionally killed somewhere in the world by a partner or family member.

Joining thousands of organisations in 187 countries, 16 Days Penzance aims to raise awareness, share information, spark conversations, highlight the need for accountability and action and encourage real change.

📷Hundreds take part in a Solidarity Walk and Vigil on Monday 25 November to mark the start of 16 Days of Activism in Penzance. Photo by Penzance Council

A Community Launch on 25th November

This year’s events begin on Tuesday 25th November with a pay as you feel day at Trelya Community Cafe, with all proceeds supporting women and girls.

That evening, everyone is invited to join the Solidarity Walk and Vigil. Participants are encouraged to bring banners, torches and lights, and to wear orange, the colour of the international campaign. The walk leaves Wherrytown Skatepark at 5.30pm and ends with a candlelit vigil at St Mary’s Church on Chapel Street. The vigil will honour the women in the UK who have lost their lives in the past 12 months at the hands of a partner, former partner or someone they know.

Hot soup and refreshments will be offered afterwards by Whole Again Communities, along with information about what is planned during the 16 days.

📷Hundreds take part in a Solidarity Walk and Vigil on Monday 25 November to mark the start of 16 Days of Activism in Penzance. Photo by Penzance Council

A Packed Programme Across Penzance

Organisers have put together a varied programme including walks, talks, music, film, poetry, spoken word, personal safety sessions, wellbeing opportunities, a photography exhibition, Distant Dance class, Manga workshop, coffee mornings, quizzes, a women’s open mic night and a West Cornwall Women’s Aid open day.

After a sell out run last year, the team behind the Vagina Monologues in West Cornwall return for four more performances. Early booking is advised.

The final event, All in It Together: Dancefloor Celebration, will be held on Friday 12th December at The Union Ballroom. Hosted by the ALL IN DISCO DJs, it promises special guest DJs and what organisers describe as positive vibes.

Full details are available on the 16 Days Penzance website: https://www.16dayspenzance.co.uk/

📷Lizzie Matthews, West Cornwall Women's Aid CEO. Hundreds take part in a Solidarity Walk and Vigil on Monday 25 November to mark the start of 16 Days of Activism in Penzance. Photo by Penzance Council

A Call to Stand Together

The release stresses the urgency of the crisis of gender based violence, using the message #NoExcuse. It also thanks Penzance Council for its support and acknowledges everyone who stands alongside women as an ally, calls out harmful behaviour, challenges misogyny, has important conversations and helps shift attitudes.

The organisers say that together, communities can help make life safer for women and girls.