A march is planned in Jersey campaigning for the elimination of violence against women and girls (VAWG).

It's taking place on 23 November and will consist of a walk through St Helier, finishing with a speech from the Chair of the VAWG taskforce. 

The march has been organised by Soroptimist International Jersey and will coincide with worldwide UN day commemorations, where thousands worldwide will be demanding the end to violence faced by females. 

Christine Spink, long-standing member of Soroptimists Jersey, tells us why this event is taking place: 

"Gender-based violence is one of the most widespread, persistent and devastating human rights violations in our world today and is a threat to millions of girls and women both online and offline.

"It effects women regardless of their age, background or level of education.

"It takes many forms including physical, sexual and psychological violence as well as economic abuse and exploitation."

In 2023, an independent task force surveyed women in Jersey. 

They found that almost every female that replied said they had experienced sexual harassment at least once, and a quarter said they had suffered rape or attempted rape.

READ MORE: Many women and girls fear for their safety

Out of around 3,000 crimes reported a year, 24% are VAWG.

Between 2018 and 2022, 3,543 VAWG crimes were committed, 17% of which were charged with an offence (677 cases).

Fort Regent will be lit orange in solidarity

We're told everyone is welcome to attend the march, starting at 11.30am in Wests Centre.

Attendees are encouraged to wear orange. Fort Regent and St Helier Town Hall will also be wearing the colour in solidarity.

Christine Spink tells us why: 

"People might think 'that's a strange colour' but it's meant to signify our hope for an improving world, and also we want to make it a happy day for a brighter future."