Reflections - Reasons to Remember- One Billion Rising 2026

Reflections - Reasons to Remember- One Billion Rising 2026

Feb, 15 2026


Saturday February 7th 2026 was a day like no other. The people of Preston gathered at the University of Lancashire in complete solidarity to learn, perform and dance to the track ‘Break the Chain’.

But what was the chain referring to? Please allow the chair of the Creative Communities Group Mr. Russell Hogarth to explain –

“It is inspired by the startling statistic that one in three women across the planet will be beaten or raped during their lifetime and is marked by organisations around the world every year. “

Break the Chain is a global act of solidarity and support and is best defined as the biggest mass action in human history and has been in the academic calendar since 2013.

The walls were shaking at the University of Lancashire student union (SU) Atrium Building as more than 100 visitors filled the room. You could feel the floor vibrate as willing participants showed their united seal of support.  The evidence is right here –

The Preston gathering has grown in popularity every year and the 2026 event was the biggest yet.  Other contributions came from Phil at Salsa Northwest Dancers, the Samba Drummers and the Local Vocals Choir.

The Mayor of Preston – Councillor Sue Whittam, was in attendance and had the following to say –

“It is important to highlight this campaign to end violence against women and girls.  This annual event is a stark reminder that one in three women will experience violence in their lifetime. 

I enjoyed being part of this global movement where we came together to clap, sing and dance for change. It was truly uplifting and gave hope that one day the violence will stop.  I am proud to stand with our city, our communities and the University of Lancashire to support this global campaign

–Well done to the organisers and especially Russell Hogarth from bringing this event to Preston”.

Others in attendance included –

  • County Councillor Matthew Brown Leader of Preston City Council
  • Rev. Claire (Bobbie) McEnery
  • Karen Livesey No Whispers CIC 

Karen had the following to say: “It was an honour and a privilege to work in partnership with Russell Hogarth from the University of Lancashire to raise awareness of the one billion rising campaign and its relevance to violence against women and girls. We often do not realise how empowering we can be within families, communities and organisations to question inappropriate sexual actions towards girls and women and to know that each one of us can play a part in safeguarding. Collectively we can make a real difference to recognise, respond and report and change the dynamics of violence against women and girls”.

A final thank you came from Mr. Russell Hogarth –

“I would like to thank our Creative Communities Group volunteers and my event partner Jayn Pearson [Project Officer Criminal Justice Partnership].

A special thank you to the Student Union, the School of Law and Policing, LIS, Security, the press office, the events team and facilities management.

And a special thank you to all the community members who came along to sing, dance and shout in solidarity to raise awareness and support our annual One Billion Rising campaign.

The event would not have been successful without all your much appreciated help and support.”

The website is available to view here -

https://www.onebillionrising.org/events/one-billion-rising-for-justice-19/  

Now organisers are already gearing up for the 2027 event which will be the 15th anniversary, so expect something extra special !

^Alex Ashworth CCG Content Creator