As a White Ribbon Accredited Organisation, Oswestry Town Council is committed to creating a culture where everyone feels safe, valued, and respected – at work and beyond.
This year’s White Ribbon Day theme, We Speak Up, encourages people to challenge harmful behaviours, whether calling out sexist jokes, intervening when something’s not right, or leading by example. These everyday actions create lasting change.
Mayor of Oswestry Cllr Rosie Radford said: “We’re speaking up to make respect, safety and equality everyday realities, not just ideas. Every time we ignore something that doesn’t feel right, we miss a chance to set a better example.”
The council will be joining other organisations to raise awareness of the campaign and encourage people to wear a White Ribbon. The lights on the Oswestry market will turn white for White Ribbon Day on 25 November.
It will also promote a free online training course delivered by the Suzy Lamplugh Trust and L’Oréal Paris on how to be an active bystander without putting your own personal safety at risk.
Research from these organisations reveals 80% of women in the UK have reported experiencing harassment in public spaces and 88% of people in the UK have faced unwanted behaviour on public transport in the past five years, most commonly staring, intimidatingly sitting or standing right by someone, and verbal abuse. However, 84% said it improved the situation when someone intervened.
Free half hour bystander training
Campaign information and White Ribbons will be available at The Guildhall from Tuesday 25 November to Wednesday 10 December.
