Building bridges between women is the aim of a demonstration this lunchtime (Tuesday) to mark International Women’s Day.

The demonstration by a collective of local women’s groups on the bridge over Lytton Way is being held to raise awareness of charity Women For Women, which helps to empower persecuted women across the globe.

Organiser, Brenda Lowe, of Walkern, who is overseas chairman of the women’s Rotary group Inner Wheel, said the event is part of a wider network of demonstrations taking place today in the UK and beyond.

“We are celebrating International Women’s Day, but also asking for security for women everywhere, particularly in the Congo and Sudan – anywhere where rape is being used against women in war. We want to stop the violence against women and include women in negotiations. It’s about raising awareness of the issues.”

Stevenage Mayor, Cllr Michael Downing, who joined the event, said it was an important cause that must be tackled.

“Violence against women still exists and if we want an end to violence worldwide it is important to begin locally to have an impact globally.”