STOP Grassroots Conference 2024

About the Conference: A Grassroots Gathering

This grassroots-led conference is part of the 16 Days of Activism to End Violence Against Women and Children, a global campaign dedicated to raising awareness and driving action to end all forms of violence against women. As part of this movement, we focus on real solutions that come from within our communities, emphasising practical, action-oriented discussions. Each session is designed to not only explore the issues but also to develop concrete steps that can be implemented to address violence and inequality at the local level.

Organised by Vox Feminarum: Women’s Voices, a community-focused organisation committed to uplifting and empowering women, this gathering is a space for everyone—activists, survivors, advocates, and community members. We place the voices of those most affected by violence and marginalisation at the forefront, ensuring that their experiences guide our conversations and solutions.

Vox Feminarum’s grassroots ethos means that this is more than a theoretical discussion; it is a place where attendees can actively engage in creating action plans and strategies to combat violence. With accessible pricing, participatory workshops, and the involvement of local community members in leading sessions, we aim to build collective strength and resilience, working together to create safer, more equitable communities.

This is not just a conference —it’s a space to cultivate collective power and work towards meaningful social change. By bringing together people who are passionate about creating safer, more equitable environments, we are building a movement that is rooted in grassroots action and solidarity.

Main Themes:

· Women’s Voices Leading the Fight:

Women across all sectors, backgrounds, and experiences coming together to lead the fight against violence, driving change, and shaping a future free from harm. This theme will focus on uplifting all voices and creating an inclusive movement for liberation.

• Healing as Resistance:

Activity focused on self-care, healing and on trauma-informed healing practices, recognising that personal and collective healing are central to resisting violence and fostering resilience. Workshops include: Dance and Movement Session, Qi Gong

• Challenging Media and Cultural Norms:

Understanding and disrupting harmful narratives that normalise violence and perpetuate stereotypes, while advocating for more empowering representations of women.

Worshop and Film Screening: Killing Us Softly 4 documentary to inform discussions on media representation and its impact on violence.

• Knowledge and Empowerment in the Fight Against Violence:

With violence against women and girls at epidemic levels, this theme explores how we can use knowledge to uplift all voices and create an inclusive movement for liberation.

Invited Speakers: Derbyshire Police and Crime Commissioner, Derby City Council Strategy (tbc), Derbyshire Constabulary – Strategy and Update (tbc)

Full List of Speakers bios, etc will follow soon.

Host or Publisher Vox Feminarum: Women's Voices