To mark the 2023 Day of Memory for those lost to ‘honour’ killings, ‘honour’-based abuse (HBA) and harmful practices, Savera UK is hosting a discussion event and vigil in partnership with the Cheshire Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC).

Savera UK, a leading charity working to end ‘honour’-based abuse (HBA) and harmful practices, has joined forces with Police and Crime Commissioner for Cheshire, John Dwyer, on Wednesday 12th July - ahead of the Day of Memory 2023 - to remember Warrington teenager Shafilea Ahmed, who was murdered by her parents in an ‘honour’ killing 20 years ago.

The conference will take place at Warrington Town Hall in the morning (10am), with a panel of esteemed guests discussing the issues of HBA and harmful practices, the challenges faced by professionals working with those at risk and the work being done to end these practices.

Speakers include Afrah Qassim, CEO and Founder of Savera UK, John Dwyer, Cheshire PCC, Jaswant Narwal, CPS, Chief Crown Prosecutor, Thames & Chiltern and lead on forced marriage, female genital mutilation (FGM) and ‘honour’-based abuse (HBA), Superintendent Jon Betts, and Sahlia Rashid and Khatra Paterson, both survivor ambassadors for Savera UK. The discussion will be hosted by Aislinn O’Dwyer, Savera UK Chair and Chair of East Cheshire NHS Trust and there will be a Q&A session for attendees.

Following the discussion’s conclusion (12:45pm), a short vigil and ribbon-tying ceremony will take place at the Golden Gates, with drumming and poetry performances, before a minute’s silence will be held in memory of Shafilea and all those lost in the name of ‘honour’.

Savera UK’s team will be sharing information with the public after the vigil, alongside Cheshire PCC’s ‘Safer Streets’ team and representatives from the Crown Prosecution Service.

Wednesday, 12th July (10am - 1pm). The event is free, but booking is essential.