Event marks women's plight

Members of Shakti Women's Aid will release hundreds of purple and white balloons at Cafe Camino in Little King Street on March 1 to highlight the plight of asylum-seeking women who have no access to public funds when they flee from domestic violence.

The event marks What Counts? Day, organised by anti-sexism charity Engender to highlight issues around women and poverty.

Other groups, including One Parent Families Scotland, West Lothian Women's Aid and Edinburgh Women's Interfaith Group, will also have stalls and displays at the cafe in St Mary's Parish Centre.

Women will also have the chance to post messages at the event about their own concerns and experiences.

The event runs from 10am to 4pm, with the balloon release at 1pm.