Whangarei's Canopy Bridge will be symbolically lit up this weekend, illuminating the issue of violence in the community.
Ten young women aged 12 to 17 will run in the "Stop the Violence" event on Saturday, alongside appearances from Mayor Sheryl Mai, representatives from Women's Refuge, Whangarei Youth Space and possibly Rape Crisis.
Girl Guiding Northland young leader delegate Kat Cobbald said the idea was to keep hammering home the message that violence, particularly against girls and women, was unacceptable, and that homes and public spaces should be safe and free of violence at all times.
The night was based around the Take Back the Night concept, which had a long history beginning in the early 1970s in the United States. The events were controversial for unashamedly excluding men, but Ms Cobbald said both genders were welcome at the Whangarei vigil.
"Everyone is welcome. Especially if the concept of it resonates with them. If we help even one person then it will be worth it," she said.