Vigil to be held for women killed by men

A display of shoes will be the focal point of the vigil, with each pair representing a victim

A vigil paying tribute to women who have been killed by men is set to be held in Coventry.

People will gather at the tribute on Smithford Way on Saturday, which will feature a display of shoes.

Each pair will represent a woman in the UK who has lost her life as a result of male violence in the last year and their names will be read out every hour.

The event has been organised by a group of women in Coventry and Warwickshire as part of the Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, which takes place two days later.

Tracey Cownden, one of the organisers, said the annual vigil began in November 2021 to remember women “whose lives have been so cruelly cut short in the previous year”.

“We feel we owe it to the victims to repeat the event every year and provide more information about where any woman experiencing abuse can go to seek help,” she added.

“This year is particularly significant, as the new government has made reducing male violence against women and girls a key manifesto commitment.”

There will also be MPs, councillors, charities and service providers giving short speeches throughout the day.

The event will take place from 09:00 to 17:00 GMT.