Candle-lit march in Bamber Bridge remembers victims of femicide and domestic violence against women and girls
Bamber Bridge Women’s Shed held a peaceful candlelit march to honour victims of femicide and domestic violence against women and girls, on International Women’s Day (Sunday 8 March).
The group, alongside other community members, carried signs through Withy Grove Park and along Station Road, finishing their march at Bamber Bridge Catholic Club.
The march was attended by 17 women and four men, including members of the Women’s Shed and Girls Who Walk Preston.
Emma Stevens, Chairwoman of the Women’s Shed and South Ribble Councillor, said: “Femicide is very close to my heart because I was in a domestically abusive relationship from about age 18 to 20.
“Every time I read the news and hear about a woman that has been murdered by a partner, my first thought is: ‘that was nearly me’, because it would’ve escalated. They do not stop.”
In 2025, the Office for National Statistics published a combined measure of domestic abuse, sexual violence and stalking, which concluded that on average, a woman is killed by a man every three days in the UK.
Emma said: “That’s why these events are important, to bring people together and say: ‘you’re not alone’.
“I worry for the generations coming after me, with what they’re reading and what young men are reading from certain influencers.”
In a speech after the march, James Gleeson, Vice-Chair of South Ribble’s Misogyny Working Group, said: “It is more our [men’s] problem than anyone else’s, and we need to recognise that and have those hard conversations.”
The Bamber Bridge Women’s Shed was founded in January 2026 to create a safe space for women who may have experienced domestic violence or simply feel lonely, through a supportive community.
Jillian Selwood, social media and Email Manager of the Women’s Shed, said: “Since I became disabled, I’ve lost my confidence and I wasn’t really sure how I fitted in anywhere, but since joining the shed, I’m part of that, I help the shed run, and it’s so nice to see it thrive and its nice welcoming new members.”
Today marks the Shed’s first march and the first march held in Bamber Bridge. Emma hopes to host events in the future to raise awareness.
Emma said: “I want the events to grow, and grow, and grow. I want women who are younger than me to please come along and get involved.”
Click on the image to view Bamber Bridge Women’s Shed Facebook:
