From local restaurants like Church Key to schools like King’s, many places around London are lighting up purple for the month. Participants are involved in a campaign that highlights the violence faced by women and girls.
Shine the Light 2025 marks 16 years of advocacy by the London Abused Women’s Centre. They run the yearly campaign to lift up the voices of those impacted by femicide. UN Women describes femicide as “the most brutal and extreme manifestation of violence against women and girls.” It runs for the whole month of November and is kicked off by the lighting of the Tree of Hope.
Being held in Victoria Park this year, testimonies were heard from the families of those lost to intimate partner violence. Attendees discussed not only who has been lost but also what can be done to create a better world where women and girls can live safely and freely. LAWC’s website reads:
The campaign acts as a beacon of hope while reminding us there is still much work to be done. Shine the Light on Woman Abuse is an opportunity for everyone to reflect, learn, listen, and have open conversations about men’s violence against women to create change.
But the lighting ceremony isn’t where the work stops. Londoners are encouraged to wear purple on November 15th. A market is also being held this year to support the cause. Local vendors will gather at the Lower Level of Centennial Hall to celebrate Wear Purple Day. The event will run from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Shirts featuring the campaign slogan will be available for sale at the event.
Londoners are encouraged to start the conversation about the various types of abuse that women and girls often face. LAWC offers educational classes, counselling, and other resources for the community to utilize.
