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WAITS Statement on the Southport tragedy and disturbances

WAITS Action • August 8, 2024

source: WAITS

published: 8 August 2024

Image Credit: Pexels/Duda


Women Acting In Today’s Society Statement


We extend our deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of the three young girls tragically murdered in Southport. While such large-scale incidents are rare, violence against women and girls by men is an all-too-common reality. This tragedy epitomises the worst of a pervasive issue.


We must confront deep-rooted misogyny that fuels such violence, while resisting attempts by those with racist agendas to exploit our pain. We stand in solidarity with all communities and their families, particularly women and girls, who are experiencing heightened insecurity due to widespread racial and Islamophobic violence. Although the perpetrators are a minority, their hatred has profound and far-reaching consequences.

'Not in our Name'

Sister Circle flyer

"We stand in solidarity with all communities and their families"


The ongoing xenophobia against minoritised communities is intolerable.

The combination of this violence and the ongoing xenophobia against minoritised communities is intolerable. We recognise the fear that these riots have instilled and acknowledge that measures promoting a hostile environment, alongside harmful political rhetoric, have normalised racism and sexism in our country. Black and global majority women bear the brunt of government inaction and coordinated racial violence.

We unequivocally reject the notion that any of these actions stem from genuine concern for the safety of women and girls. Safety is not achieved nor promoted through racist violence. Together, we denounce it.


We stand united in our resistance and solidarity;

We stand united as women across all our communities.

We stand united and say, ‘Not in our name.’

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