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[Content warning – sexual violence]
Many of you will have seen the tragic news that Zara Aleena was murdered by a man, who also attempted to rape her and robbed her, as she was walking home in London last week.
Our thoughts, love and solidarity are with Zara Aleena’s family and friends, who are now dealing with the unimaginable horror of what happened to Zara.
In a statement, her family shared how she walked everywhere, spoke of her compassionate nature, and how she worked to support those with less power. We are devastated that her meaningful and important life has been cut short in such a brutal way.
We mourn and we rage for Zara, and for all the women and girls who have been subjected to male violence. It is difficult to process yet another senseless killing, when we are still mourning the loss of Sabina Nessa, Sarah Everard, Nicole Smallman, Bibaa Henry, Ashling Murphy and the countless other women whose lives have been lost to male violence. It is natural to feel despondent. But we do not accept that male violence against women is inevitable: we will continue our work until all women and girls can live safely, freely and with dignity.
On Saturday 2nd July, join Zara’s family and Million Women Rise at a vigil for Zara in Ilford, as they walk her route home. Meet at 1.30pm opposite Cranbrook Rise IG1 4UR. Her family have requested that you wear white and walk in silence. More info.