Published on Thursday 21 November 2024
Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council has strengthened its commitment to ending violence against all women and girls by becoming White Ribbon accredited.
White Ribbon is the UK’s leading charity in helping men and boys to change their negative and damaging behaviours, ultimately helping to tackle violence against women and girls.
Celebrated annually on 25 November, also the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, While Ribbon Day looks to raise awareness for the issue of violence against women and girls, promote gender equality and nurture healthy relationships.
Its launch aligns with that of the United Nations’ 16 Days of Activism against Gender Based Violence initiative, which will also see a number of events and activities taking place across the BCP area to help raise awareness for and tackle another prominent societal issue.
Events include: a gender-based violence workshop for boys in partnership with AFC Bournemouth; a ‘Happy at Home this Winter’ coffee morning for over-55s, a children and young people’s community afternoon; and a dedicated art exhibition at Bobby’s Bournemouth.
View the full list of events and activities on our webpage: https://www.saferbcp.co.uk/16-days-of-action-and-white-ribbon-day
The 16 Days of Activism against Gender Based Violence campaign concludes on Tuesday 10 December, Human Rights Day.
The council’s White Ribbon accreditation closely follows the formation of its BCP Unity Promise initiative; uniting and offering professional training to local businesses and services who are committed to developing their premises into a hub of support for anyone who feels uncomfortable or threatened in the nighttime economy.
As a White Ribbon Accredited organisation, BCP Council will implement a detailed multi-year plan aimed at transforming cultures and systems, both within our organisation and communities, for the wider benefit of everyone who lives and works in the region.
This strategy will help us eliminate the harmful attitudes and behaviours that lead to violence against women and girls and will form an essential part of our broader efforts under the Preventing Domestic Abuse Strategy.
Some of the actions that will be taken include:
- the development of a Domestic Abuse Policy for BCP Council employees
- appointing Ambassadors and Champions within departments to advocate positive attitudes and behaviours
- raising awareness within our local communities.
Councillor Kieron Wilson, Portfolio Holder for Housing and Regulatory Services at BCP Council, said:
“Gaining White Ribbon accreditation is a positive step and a clear message that there is no place in our communities for violence against women and girls.
“I strongly believe that becoming White Ribbon accredited will support BCP Council in tackling this issue; helping to educate people, improve behaviours and raise awareness. It is an opportunity to make our workplace a safer environment for all – both men and women – and to enable our staff to become changemakers.”
Anthea Sully, Chief Executive of White Ribbon UK said:
“White Ribbon accredited organisations can make a real difference towards ending violence against women by promoting a culture of respect and equality among their staff and wider communities.
“By raising awareness among employees, people can learn how to become allies and call out violent and abusive behaviour when they see it.
“We are delighted to welcome BCP Council as one of our White Ribbon accredited organisations and are looking forward to working with them towards ending violence against women once and for all.”
White Ribbon is the UK’s leading charity engaging men and boys to end violence against women and girls.