Bristol iFemSoc to hold virtual vigil following disappearance of Sarah Everard

By Robin Connolly, Co-Editor-in-Chief

A virtual vigil is due to be held for Sarah Everard this coming Wednesday at 5:30 pm by The University of Bristol Intersectional Feminist Society in response to Sarah’s disappearance this week.

The event has been organised to create a safe space for solidarity during the pandemic and will happen over Zoom.

The vigil will take place in the form of a silence held for Sarah and any other women who have been declared missing, or who have disappeared in the UK, which will also include a safe space for attendees to share their feelings or thoughts on the circumstances of this week.

Lying awake in the dark at 3am, the wind howling outside, thinking of the many, many close calls getting myself home alone (or even in for a shift at the crack of dawn) in London, Bristol, Cardiff. Things have to change #ReclaimTheNight #SarahEverard
— Gerry Holt (@Gerryholt) March 11, 2021

In a statement to Epigram, the organisers at iFemSoc said: ‘We at the University of Bristol iFemSoc were horrified to hear about the tragic case of Sarah Everard and extend our sympathies and thoughts to her family and loved ones.

‘Unfortunately, the reality for many of our members and more widely for women and oppressed genders in the UK, is that walking home alone has never been safe and cases such as Sarah’s only highlight a fear that we have grown up knowing as well as we know ourselves.

‘We are hosting a virtual vigil this Wednesday evening for any and all who want a safe place of solidarity, a space to share their emotions and thoughts, as well as engage in activism by writing to MPs and the MET Police to lobby for better protection for all of us on the streets.

‘We are unable to organise our own physical vigil but encourage those who can to attend in a COVID-safe manner, those organised by individuals in Bristol this weekend.’

A physical vigil is also to be held by Bristolians on College Green this Saturday, 13 March at 6pm, in solidarity with the Reclaim These Streets events taking place across the country.

Masks and social distancing will be required.

The event on Wednesday will be ticketed to protect attendees. Those wanting to book a ticket can do so HERE.

Featured Image:Bristol iFemSoc

Will you be attending the virtual vigil?