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Photo: Ivars Kupcis/WCC

Photo: Ivars Kupcis/WCC

Communities and individuals everywhere are invited to make a powerful, international statement of their commitment to end rape and violence through contributing to a large tapestry exhibit being developed by the World Council of Churches (WCC).

The quilted tapestry is intended to reflect a waterfall with messages and images from around the world. It will be displayed in 2020 at the Ecumenical Centre in Geneva and at major events, and will continue to be expanded up to the WCC Assembly in 2021.

Thursdays in Black is a global solidarity movement of women and men against gender-based violence. It grew out of the experience of rape, abuse, and violence in many parts of the world and highlights the resilience and resistance of women to tragic injustice. The campaign is simple but profound: wear black on Thursday, and declare you are part of this global movement by wearing a pin or posting on social media

The waterfall will be based on the Thursdays in Black design, with the pilgrimage lines in white and purple.

How can I be involved?

Individuals and groups can prepare square panels with images and messages that reflect why you are involved in Thursdays in Black.

  • Panels should be in cloth, 30 cm x 30 cm (including a minimum 2 cm margin on all sides).
  • The background (or majority) colour should be black, purple or white.
  • The design and how it is constructed is up to you!

When completed, please post your square along with a page describing who has prepared the square and any background or story on the image or message to:

Nicole Ashwood
Just Community of Women and Men
World Council of Churches
P.O. Box 2100
1211 Geneva 2
Switzerland

Photos of the people working on the square are also encouraged, and can be sent to [email protected].

Squares can be sent in at any time. For inclusion in the exhibit planned for the first quarter of 2020, squares must be received no later than 20 December.

Learn more about Thursdays in Black

For more information, email [email protected].