Men have been called to support women and join a “silent walk with a purpose” on Mother’s Day. Participants will cover their mouths with masks for the walk through Hamilton on Sunday as “a sign of paying respect to the departed and a token of prayer”.

Onika Best, the event organiser, said the goal was to generate discussion.

Ms Best, a Bermudian artist who lives in Barbados, said that she had served as an “outsider looking in” on her many female friends back home whose lives had been marred by violence.

She added: “When I come home, I get to see the real heart of the matter. People are hurting and trying to heal, but in so doing they are not coming together and sharing their stories.”

Ms Best said that she had laughed and cried with friends and shared their “horror stories”.

She added: “It was soothing and a step forward for healing.”

The walk, which will include members of the Centre Against Abuse, will be held from 6am to 8am on Sunday and start at the corner of Court and Dundonald Streets. Ms Best said the early start was intended to mark the seriousness of the violence and loss that women have endured.

She added: “It’s not just for women that have lost loved ones, but for anyone who has gone through things that they don’t necessarily talk about. When we network together, the truth comes out and emotions are expressed.”

Ms Best said: “I like to be a part of the solution. It’s what I glory in.”

She added: “Mother’s Day is significant for me as a mother and a grandmother.”

The walk, which will circle North Hamilton and go up to St Monica’s Road, will close with a breaking of the silence and an exchange of contacts.

Ms Best said walkers will travel in single file to signify “having each other’s back”.

T-shirts will be available for purchase.For more information, e-mail onikathebest@gmail.com.