United in support to end violence against women and girls

White Ribbon is a UK charity that encourages people, especially men and boys, to take a stand and show that violence against women will not be tolerated.

In a show of support for the campaign, Cllr Karen Kilgour, Deputy Leader of Newcastle City Council, and Cllr Paula Maines, Cabinet member for a Resilient City, joined delegates to raise the flag at the Civic Centre on Friday, November 24.

Cllr Maines said: “The raising of the White Ribbon flag is a powerful sign of our city’s commitment to ending gender-based abuse.

“For far too long women have been victims of harassment, unwanted attention and violent behaviour and nobody should ever have to suffer this type of abuse.

“I am incredibly proud the Council is a White Ribbon accredited organisation, which recognises the important work we are doing to keep women and girls safe.

“We have invested in a range of measures, from having more uniformed marshals on the streets, including in the night-time economy, to improving street lighting and upgrading CCTV at key locations.

“Door supervisors, taxi drivers and hotel and bar staff also frequently receive training so they can respond effectively and help protect those who may be vulnerable.

“We recognise toxic masculinity is not good for men’s mental health and we would thank the many men who are already actively calling out abuse.

“We remain committed to working with partners to ensure Newcastle continues to be a safe place for women and girls.”

White Ribbon Day takes place on November 25 and this year’s theme is #ChangeTheStory, which encourages individuals and organisations to take action and ensure women and girls do not live in fear of abuse.

People are encouraged to show their support by wearing a white ribbon and by making the White Ribbon Promise that they will never commit, condone or remain silent about abuse of women and girls.

In Newcastle, a park run will be held at the Town Moor on Saturday from 9am, where runners will wear white ribbons and T-shirts in support of the cause.

The Council will mark White Ribbon Day, which coincides with International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, by lighting the Civic Centre orange.

The local authority will also show its support for the United Nations’ 16 days of activism against gender-based violence campaign, which ends on December 10.

You can find out more about the White Ribbon campaign by visiting www.whiteribbon.org.uk.