On the 14th July 2025, Karma Nirvana will hold its 11th National Day of Memory at Leeds Civic Hall, bringing a day of powerful remembrance, reflection and collective action in honour of those we have lost to Honour Based Abuse.
The Day of Memory was created in 2014 following a joint campaign by Karma Nirvana and Cosmopolitan magazine, supported by over 125,000 petitioners. Officially recognised by the UK government, the day falls on the birthday of Shafilea Ahmed, a bright, courageous young woman who was murdered by her parents for bringing perceived “shame” on her family. Her story, echoed in the lives of many others, is one of strength, agency, and injustice.
As Shafilea would have turned 39 this year, we will gather once again to remember her and all those who should still be with us today. Their lives mattered. Their names must be spoken. And their legacies must drive lasting change.
Featured speakers will be announced soon.
Day of Memory 2025
Who can attend?
Please note that this conference is a professionals-only event. Attendance is restricted to individuals working within the statutory or voluntary sectors. This includes, but is not limited to, professionals in:
- Policing and criminal justice
- Specialist VAWG (Violence Against Women and Girls) services
- Social care
- Health and mental health services
- Housing
- Legal and judiciary sectors
- Education and academia
Because survivors will be sharing personal and sensitive experiences, the event is a closed, private space and not open to members of the general public.
To attend, you must be joining in an official professional capacity. Registrations from individuals outside of these criteria will not be accepted.
Tickets
Early bird prices starting from £20 and available via Eventbrite.
- Contact us: [email protected]
- Follow the conversation: #WeRemember
How You Can Participate:
- Attend the conference: Purchase tickets for our Day of Memory event in Leeds on 14th July 2025.
- Join Us Online: Follow our social media channels throughout the week for special posts, stories, and activities.
- Share Your Support: Use the hashtag #WeRemember to share your messages of support, photos, and memories. We encourage you to engage with our posts and spread the word.
- Read about our current campaigns: Read more about our recent work.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the timings for the day?
Registration opens at 9am, with coffees, teas, and pastries served on arrival. The conference will begin promptly at 9:30am and is expected to conclude by 4:30pm.
Is there car parking?
There is no dedicated parking at Leeds Civic Hall, but there are several nearby car parks: Rosebowl Car Park – Portland Crescent (LS1 3HB) – closest option Citipark Merrion Centre – Merrion Way (LS2 8BT) Woodhouse Lane Car Park – Woodhouse Lane (LS2 3AX)
Will the event be livestreamed or recorded?
No. To protect the privacy and safety of survivor speakers, the event will not be livestreamed or made available as a recording. We encourage attendance in person for those eligible.
Will lunch be provided?
Yes, a buffet lunch will be provided, along with coffees and teas available throughout the day. Please add a note on the booking form if you have any dietary requirements.
Is the venue accessible?
Yes. Leeds Civic Hall is wheelchair accessible and includes step-free access, accessible toilets, and hearing loop facilities. If you have specific access requirements, please let us know during registration or by emailing us directly so we can ensure your needs are met.
I’m unsure if my role qualifies – what should I do?
If you’re unsure whether your role qualifies you to attend, please contact us at [email protected] with your job title, organisation, and reason for attending, and we’ll be happy to advise.
Do you need to be working for a statutory or voluntary agency?
The conference is open only to professionals working in the statutory or voluntary sectors. This includes police, social care, education, health, housing, legal services, and specialist VAWG (Violence Against Women and Girls) organisations. You must be attending in a professional capacity.