Women and girls’ memorial bench
In March 2022, to coincide with International Women’s Day, Sutton Council, Reclaim Sutton’s Streets and a team of local artists unveiled a memorial bench in Trinity Square, Sutton, dedicated to women and girls who have been killed by male violence.
What does the bench show?
Local artists, and sisters, Samia Tossio and Hana Horack-Alyafi created a beautiful mosaic design, which incorporates the words of the White Ribbon Promise, made by men against male violence. The bench is a lasting memorial to women and girls who have lost their lives to male violence, and a place for people to pause and reflect.
Where did the idea come from?
The idea for the memorial bench came in the wake of the murder of Sabina Nessa in September 2021, when Reclaim Sutton’s Streets and members of the community held a vigil in Trinity Square, centred around a ‘tree of remembrance’ that Samia had decorated through her yarn-bombing. At the vigil, Samia, Sarah McGuiness of Reclaim Sutton’s Streets and Cllr Ruth Dombey, the Leader of Sutton Council, talked about creating a lasting memorial to all women and girls who have lost their lives to male violence.
After more conversations, ideas and several months of planning, the idea became a reality.
How was the bench created?
Samia and Hana designed the bench and created its beautiful mosaic top by hand.
As part of the project, Samia and Hana also worked with Reclaim Sutton’s Streets to hold mosaic making workshops at YourSpace Sutton, which involved people in conversations around ending violence against women and girls.
The bench was then installed by Sutton Council with the help of the Successful Sutton BID.
Tackling domestic abuse in Sutton
The Council is committed to tackling domestic abuse and violence against women and girls in Sutton and received its White Ribbon Accreditation in March 2022.
More information about domestic abuse and where to get help is available on these web pages. Not Alone In Sutton provides detailed information on what to do if you or someone you know is experiencing domestic abuse.
Find out more
Find out more about the White Ribbon campaign to end male violence against women.
Find out more about Reclaim Sutton’s Streets on Facebook.
Find out more about the creative work of Samia Tossio and Hana Horack-Alyafi.