On 29 November 2025, we gathered once again in Smithford Way for the fifth Coventry Counts Dead Women Vigil.
Together, we remembered 97 UK Women who had been killed by men in the previous 12 months. As in previous years, 97 pairs of shoes were laid out in remembrance, each pair representing a woman whose life was taken far too soon.
Throughout the day, the names of all 97 women were read aloud every hour on the hour. Each reading was an act of remembrance, ensuring that every woman was acknowledged by name and that her life was honoured with dignity. Speaking their names aloud reminds us that these women were far more than statistics, they were daughters, mothers, sisters, partners, friends whose lives mattered.
This year, we were deeply honoured to be joined by members of the families of two of the women remembered at the vigil. The family of Reanne Coulson, from Coventry, who was murdered on 21 May 2025, stood with us in remembrance, alongside the family of Chereiss Bailey, from West Bromwich who was murdered on the 7th October 2025.
Chereiss’s sister, Chanel Bailey, took part in the reading of the names and spoke movingly about the devastating loss of her twin sister. Her courage in sharing her family’s experience reminded us all of the lifelong impact that the killing of one woman has on everyone who loved her.
We were also privileged to hear from Natalie Queiroz, who survived a brutal attempt on her life in 2016 when she was stabbed 24 times by her partner while eight months pregnant. Natalie shared her compelling story of survival, resilience and hope, inspiring everyone present and reinforcing the urgent need to prevent male violence against women and girls before more lives are lost.
This year our vigil brought together bereaved families, survivors, campaigners, community organisations and members of the public. Together, we remembered those who have been killed, stand in solidarity with survivors and families whose lives have been forever changed, and renew our commitment to challenging the attitudes, behaviours and inequalities that allow male violence against women and girls to continue.
Remembrance must lead to action.
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