This White Ribbon Day we have pledged our continued support to ending violence against women and girls.
The theme for White Ribbon Day 2024 is ‘It starts with men’.
The day addresses the attitudes and behaviours that contribute to a fear of violence for women and girls.
Today also marks the start of 16 days of activism against gender-based violence.
Last year we were awarded White Ribbon Accreditation. This was for our commitment to ending men’s violence against women in the workplace and local communities.
Over the last year, we have developed a White Ribbon Action Plan.
The plan focusses on four key areas:
- strategic leadership
- raising awareness
- engaging men and boys
- changing culture
Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Communities, Economic Growth and Prosperity, Councillor Louise McKinlay said:
“Every woman and girl in the county should live a life free of violence, fear and harassment.
“We are committed to leading the way in changing these behaviours and helping to create a society where women and girls feel safe and respected.
“Our three-year plan sets out our action to achieve this. It shows how we will address harmful attitudes and behaviours that lead to violence against women and girls.”
Over the past few years we have launched initiatives and projects to improve women’s safety in Essex. These include:
- Bystander intervention modules
- A women’s night time safety survey
- Courses for young people on healthy relationship awareness
- The Essex Design Guide. This guide aims to make public spaces safer and more inclusive for women and girls in the county
- Our online safety map for women and girls to use to highlight areas they feel safe or unsafe in Essex.
The White Ribbon Action Plan launched to employees this month. It will be available to the public soon.