Council proudly supports White Ribbon Day
News release issued:
Wyre Forest District Council is pledging its ongoing support to this year’s White Ribbon Campaign.
White Ribbon Day is a widely recognised global movement organised by White Ribbon UK, the leading charity engaging with men and boys to end violence against women and girls.
Today (Friday 25 November) is White Ribbon Day 2022 and it coincides with the beginning of 16 days of Activism - a global campaign to raise awareness around gender-based violence.
White Ribbon Day also falls within the same week as the launch of the FIFA men’s World Cup and is marked with the launch of White Ribbon UK’s campaign #TheGoal. Running throughout the tournament, this will highlight 11 traits that men and boys can nurture to help create a world of equality and safety for women.
Councillor Graham Ballinger, Wyre Forest District Council’s Cabinet Member with responsibility for Culture, Leisure and Community Safety said:
“We are proud to be supporting White Ribbon Day again. We’re encouraging everyone to wear the ribbon and make the White Ribbon Promise – to never use, excuse, or remain silent about men’s violence against women. We’ll be highlighting the campaign on our social media channels.”
In 2020-2021 there were 15,150 incidents of abuse reported to West Mercia Police and their statistics show that only 20% of cases are reported.
Council officers have also been working with local partners, Cookley Sports Football Club, Wilden Motorcross, Birchen Coppice Primary School, Kidderminster and District Youth Trust to spread the word.
All teams at Cookley Sports Football Club will be wearing the ribbons during the 16 days of activism.
Ian Benbow, President of the football club said:
“There’s been no hesitation here, the club has said ‘yes’ to White Ribbon Day and ‘yes’ to wearing the ribbon! Violence against women and girls has no place in society and certainly no place in a sports club. ‘#TheGoal’ is one goal that’s going right to the back of the net here.’
Anthea Sully, chief executive of White Ribbon UK, said:
“This year, White Ribbon Day is focusing on the attitudes and behaviours men and boys can adopt to move away from associations to violent and abusive behaviour.
“Men and boys are now expecting better from their colleagues, friends, and family to ensure women and girls are safe.”
Anyone wanting to make the promise this year can do so by visiting the white ribbon campaign website.