As the country marks the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, Moviment Graffitti, together with 15 organisations and individuals, is calling on the public to join a demonstration this coming Sunday, the 23rd of November at 4pm, in front of the Law Courts, Valletta.

The event will include a short march from the Law Courts, speeches by MGRM, Moviment Graffitti, and members of the Voice for Choice coalition, a poem by Klara Vassallo, and musical contributions from Kor Re-sisters and singer Ana Milenaria.

The organisations said that “we are taking to the streets because violence against women does not simply show up in isolated incidents – it is woven into the fabric of our everyday lives. Our society is permeated by a culture of verbal violence: hateful and sexist comments on social media, cat calling, demeaning insults meant to belittle and intimidate. These actions are too often dismissed as trivial, when in truth they form part of the same continuum of patriarchal violence that harms, silences, and kills. Only by naming this violence and confronting it directly can we hope to eradicate it.”

Moviment Graffitti added that, “we also want to shine a light on the violence – physical and psychological – that takes place inside homes, behind closed doors, in workplaces, in schools, and in our institutions. The trauma inflicted by femicides wounds us individually and collectively. We will remember the women whose lives were taken in recent years and we will say their names.”

“Recent updates in the Bernice Cilia court case remind us that even when the perpetrator receives the maximum sentence, nothing can repair the loss suffered. Her case demonstrates clearly that when justice is delayed, justice is never truly restorative. We also recall the case of Chantelle Chetcuti, stabbed to death five years ago, whose family is still waiting for a trial date – a stark example of a system failing victims and survivors alike,” stated Moviment Graffitti.

“On Sunday, we invite the public to join us in a united, collective stand against patriarchal violence. These international dates matter because they offer a moment to renew our resolve, amplify our voices, and demand real change. Bring your placards, your solidarity, and your loudest voices – together we will form one powerful front against violence,” the organisations said.

Endorsing organisations are:

Aditus Foundation

ARC

Caritas Malta

Doctors for Choice

IVY – Interrupting Violence towards Youth

Malta Women’s Lobby

Marie Louise Coleiro

Men Against Violence

MGRM

Migrant Women Association Malta

Moviment Graffitti

Women for Women Foundation

Women’s Rights Foundation

YMCA

YPB

?minijietna – Voice of the Left

Photo: Moviment Graffitti

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