White Ribbon is a global campaign that encourages people, especially men and boys, to challenge behaviour and change the culture that leads to abuse and violence against women.
This year’s theme is ‘It Starts With Men’. Violence against women and girls is rooted in harmful masculine norms. Starting with men, we must address the attitudes and behaviours that contribute to a fear of violence for women in their everyday lives.
Positive action by Oswestry Town Council led to it achieving White Ribbon accreditation for another three years last month.
To mark White Ribbon Day on Monday 25 November and its 16 days of action, the council will be raising awareness of the campaign and the support available, encouraging local people to sign the White Ribbon Promise to never use, excuse or remain silent about men’s violence against women, and to wear a White Ribbon as a symbol of support.
The Mayor of Oswestry Cllr Mike Isherwood said: “Every woman and girl in our town should live the lives they want without fear of violence and harassment. We should all take responsibility for making this happen.
“I am asking people to find out more about the campaign and pledge support, and for local organisations of all sizes to support the campaign. Together we can bring about change.”
How organisations can get involved
Information and White Ribbons will be available at The Guildhall reception from Monday 25 November until Tuesday 10 December. There will be a stall at Bailey Head on Wednesday 27 November from 10am to 2pm with information and ribbons. Information and ribbons will also be shared by local groups and organisations supporting White Ribbon.
Why it’s important:
- 70% of women in the UK say they have experienced sexual harassment in public. (APPG for UN Women, 2021)
- 3 in 5 women have experienced sexual harassment, bullying or verbal abuse in the workplace. (Trade Unions Congress, 2023)
- 15% of women in England, and 17% of women in Wales have experienced online violence. (Professor Olga Jurasz, The Open University, 2024)
- Nearly a quarter (24%) of girls in mixed sex schools said they had experiences of unwanted sexual touching in school. (EVAW, 2023)
- 4 million women experienced domestic abuse in the year ending March 2023. (ONS, 2023)
If you or someone you know has been affected by domestic abuse, there are local support services that can help. More here.