Islington women stand in solidarity: none of us are safe unless all of us are safe

Local people are invited to bring a candle, flowers, or a message to the Town Hall this week to emphasise the need to ensure our borough is a safe place for women and girls. 

In a joint statement, Cllr Sue Lukes, Islington Council’s Executive Member for Community Safety, Cllr Kaya Comer-Schwartz, Islington Council’s Deputy Leader, and Anita Grant of Islington4Women said: “Islington women stand in solidarity: none of us are safe unless all of us are safe."

Cllr Comer-Schwartz said: “We have all been appalled by so much in the last week. A young woman who disappeared from the streets on her way home, a police officer charged with her kidnap and murder, a vigil for her dispersed forcibly. 

“And as we watch and comment, thousands of women are telling their stories, our stories, of everyday violence, misogyny and fear.  As women we need to say how we feel about this.  As Islington we need to hear and see this.” 

Cllr Lukes said: “No one should feel unsafe anywhere in our borough. We are asking all Islington women who stand against violence against women, who want to offer solidarity to the victims of male violence, who want to express their sorrow, their fear, their anger, to bring a flower, a candle, a message to the Town Hall sometime this week. 

“Do it on your way home from work, as part of your daily exercise, on the way to shop.  Please do it safely, with your household or support bubble.  Place your candle, flower and or message, take a photo, post it on social media and tag Islington Council so we can show the world what we stand for: we believe that our streets and our homes should be safe for all women.  

“We hope to light the Town Hall up in solidarity with women this week. We are Islington and we deserve to be safe.”  

Anita Grant said: “The past week has been traumatising for women in Islington and across London. It is time for our community to come together and show solidarity with all those affected by male violence.” 

Ending violence against women is a top priority for the council. Islington Council’s network of 100 Safe Havens, including local shops, cafes, pubs and libraries, help those who are in danger, feel threatened or harassed on the street, are unwell, or are in need of help. Those in need can look for Safe Haven signs in the windows of premises across the borough, and more information can be found on the council’s website.    

Although pubs, bars, restaurants, music venues and nightclubs are currently closed due to the pandemic, the council is continuing to sign them up to the Women’s Night Safety Charter. This means that staff will receive training on dealing with harassment, reporting issues, and promoting women’s safety.    

 In January 2020, the council also pledged to invest more than £2million extra funding to help tackle violence against women and girls, and has been continuing to work hard during the pandemic to protect those experiencing domestic abuse.  

In December last year, Islington Council also passed a motion calling for the strengthening of legislation to make misogyny a hate crime. As part of this, the council continues to lobby Government for action to tackle harassment, misogyny and domestic violence.