16 Days Of Action Newsletter 2016 Edition | Page 6

Celebrating 40 years of Women’s Aid in Clackmannanshire In the early 1970s, a group of interested women regularly met up to discuss issues that affected women in general. Domestic abuse became high on their agenda and Central Region Women’s Aid was established. By 1975 it was recognised that geographically it was impractical to cover such a wide area so the group split into individual Women’s Aid groups based in Clackmannanshire, Stirling and Falkirk. In 1976 Clackmannanshire Women’s Aid opened their first refuge in partnership with the Council. This year sees the organisation celebrating its 40th anniversary. In recognition, this years’ Annual General Meeting (AGM) has been rescheduled to coincide with the 16 Days of Action Campaign. It will be held on 8th December in the Station Hotel, Alloa (12.30pm - 3pm). Their guest speaker will be Lydia Okroj, Service Manager with Scottish Women’s Aid, who will talk about the changing face of Women’s Aid services in Scotland. An invitation is extended to all interested parties. As a light buffet lunch will be provided it would be appreciated if you could confirm your attendance in advance by calling the public office on 01259 721407. A small exhibition depicting Women’s Aid services throughout the years will be on display in the Speirs Centre, Alloa from Monday 21st to Friday 25th November and at the AGM.