White Ribbon Day and 16 Days of Activism 2024

White Ribbon Day is a global movement that takes place on 25 November every year. It encourages men and boys to do their bit to end male violence against women and girls (VAWG). This year the theme is about allyship - ‘it starts with men’.

Today also marks the beginning of 16 days of Activism to raise awareness about the issue and promote gender equality. It also encourages men to speak up against gender-based violence. The 16 Days of Activism campaign runs until December 10th, International Human Rights Day. This year’s campaign theme is “#NoExcuse. Unite to end violence against women this winter”.

We are holding special Conversation Café event, on Tuesday 3 December, 11am-2pm at St Peter’s Church, Sumner Road, West Harrow HA1 4BX. The event is a great opportunity to meet Council staff and community partners including domestic abuse services, and specialists in harmful practices and stalking. Find out more about this special Conversation Café event.

Over the next 16 days, there are many ways people across Harrow in their communities, organisations and workplaces can get involved. Not just by learning about the issue and challenges, but also by advocating for change, listening to women, speaking up and highlighting that everyone – including men - can also make a difference to ending violence against women.

Here are some actions men can take to show their allyship:

• Listen to the women and girls in your life, believe and support them. 1 in 3 women in the UK will be victims of gender-based violence at some point in their life.
• Learn more about gender equality and understand how certain behaviours and attitudes can lead to violence.
• Be a good role model and create safe spaces for everyone, both at home and at work.
• Know where to direct people to access support. We have a directory of VAWG support services on our website.
• Call it out if you see or hear something in public that isn’t appropriate. Calling out harmful behaviours is important to help bring around change.

Anyone can be an active bystander when witnessing street harassment. If you want to learn more about how to stand up and take action safely, Suzy Lamplugh Trust and L’Oreal run free, online training sessions. Book here – Stand up against street harassment

Read the full press release here: https://www.harrow.gov.uk/news/article/11374/standing-up-against-violence-against-women-it-starts-with-men