#changethestory to end violence against women and girls

SLCC is committed to working towards ending men’s violence against women by becoming White Ribbon Accredited, aligning with White Ribbon UK, the leading charity engaging men and boys to end violence against women.

As a White Ribbon Accredited organisation, SLCC will deliver a comprehensive multi-year plan to transform our staff culture, systems, and the wider community we operate in. White Ribbon Accreditation is an opportunity to make our workplace a safe place for men and women, and to upskill our staff to become changemakers.

SLCC proudly supports the White Ribbon campaign as a fundamental part of our Civility and Respect project. We believe that civility and respect are essential to public life, and that good governance is key to fostering an effective and healthy democracy at all levels.

0%

of women in the UK say they have experienced sexual harassment in public

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of girls in mixed sec schools said they had experiences of unwanted sexual touching in school

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of women have experienced sexual harassment, bullying or verbal abuse in the workplace

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of men agree that men in society aren't doing enough to ensure the safety of women and girls

White Ribbon Day - 25 November 2024

Together we can prevent violence against women and girls

Violence against women and girls is rooted in harmful masculine norms. Starting with men, we must address the attitudes and behaviours that contribute to a fear of violence for women in their day-to-day lives.

This White Ribbon Day, we’re encouraging men to hold themselves accountable to women, and to each other, so we can affect positive behaviour change to transform harmful cultures. Gender equality is key to making this culture change happen. Gender equality is achievable if men and boys understand and assume their responsibility as allies.

Find out what can men do with this informative leaflet. 

Click here to access the White Ribbon Day resources and join us in creating awareness.

#itstartswithmen

Get involved - send us a quote and/or a short video

This year’s White Ribbon Day theme is ‘It starts with men’.

We’re inviting men in the sector to share a quote or a short video about how you support gender equality and challenge harmful behaviours. Your story could inspire others to take action. These contributions will be featured in our White Ribbon Day campaign. Be part of the change by emailing your videos and quotes to [email protected] 

Support the campaign

There are two options for parish and town councils to get involved in the campaign. You can become a White Ribbon Accredited or White Ribbon Supporter Organisation.

White Ribbon Accreditation takes a strategic approach to empowering people at all levels in the workplace to be allies. Becoming a White Ribbon Accredited is open to organisations of all sizes at any point of their journey, and the fee structure is determined by your organisation’s revenue or annual budget. Over three years, your organisation will implement an action plan developed by a steering group and supported by leadership to affect tangible change within your parish or town council.

White Ribbon Supporter Organisations are reserved for small to medium-sized businesses with less than 250 employees. They focus mainly on raising awareness about ending violence against women in their communities. They are asked to host at least one fundraiser for the White Ribbon UK charity each year. Organisations wanting to become a White Ribbon Supporter Organisation can do so directly on the White Ribbon website by filling out a form and paying a £175 plus VAT fee.

 

What changes can you make?

Your council can play a significant role in improving women’s lives at work and in the community. Key actions include:

  • Implement policies: Create and enforce policies against harassment and violence. Train staff to recognise and respond to such behaviours.
  • Foster a safe environment: Promote a workplace culture of safety, respect, and equality.
  • Support employee wellness: Offer counselling, assistance programs, and flexible work for those affected by violence.
  • Partner with community groups: Work with shelters and advocacy groups to support survivors and raise awareness.
  • Lead by example: Promote gender equality and ensure accountability for violence.

What can individuals do?

  • Educate yourself: Learn about the forms and causes of violence against women.
  • Speak out: Challenge sexist behaviours and language when encountered.
  • Support survivors: Listen without judgment and offer help.
  • Be an active bystander: Safely intervene when witnessing harassment.
  • Promote consent: Advocate for clear, respectful communication in relationships.