Introduction

White Ribbon is a worldwide movement that aims to stop violence against women and girls by encouraging respect, equality, and compassion. White Ribbon is a beacon of hope and a catalyst for change, helping individuals and communities to take a stand against gender-based violence.

Collective action

East Riding of Yorkshire Council is a White Ribbon accredited organisation. The council believes in collective action, working with our partner organisations and communities to prevent violence against women and girls.

By raising awareness, providing education, and encouraging positive social change, we aim to break the cycle of violence and create a safer world for everyone.

If you’re here to learn, help, or get involved, you’re joining others who want to make things better. Together, we can create a world where everyone feels safe and is treated fairly, and where no one experiences violence because of their gender.

The importance of the campaign

The White Ribbon Campaign is about stopping violence against women and girls. It asks everyone - especially boys and men - to be part of the solution. We talk about these issues because many women and girls are hurt or treated unfairly just for being female. By raising awareness through campaigns like White Ribbon, we can help change this and make the world safer and kinder.

The campaign also reminds us that violence affects everyone. Men and boys can experience hurt too, like bullying or being treated badly. White Ribbon stands for helping everyone feel safe and supported, to develop positive behaviours in men and boys which benefit themselves and others.

In supporting White Ribbon, you’re saying you’ll never hurt others and will speak up when you see someone being treated badly. It’s not about blaming anyone. By working together we can create a better, more peaceful, future for everyone.

Why the campaign is needed

Violence against women and girls happens for many reasons, and it's not simple to fix. A lot of this is because of old ideas from long ago about how men and women should act. These ideas sometimes gave men more power and control, which led to unfair treatment of women. Over time, these ways of thinking got passed down through families and societies, and they still influence how people behave today.

Things like stereotypes, unequal treatment, and even laws from the past that didn’t protect women as much, have all added to the problem. When these ideas are not challenged, the cycle continues, and the violence doesn’t stop.

By learning about this, and working together, we can change the way society thinks and acts so that everyone is treated equally and with respect, no matter their gender.

East Riding of Yorkshire Council’s action plan

Our plan has four key elements:

1

Strategic leadership

We’re leading the charge by encouraging organisations to join us, supporting voluntary groups, and rallying backing from our councillors to drive positive changes in our community.

2

Engaging men and boys

Recruiting ambassadors and champions to inspire change, while delivering educational programmes in schools and workplaces to promote respect and healthy relationships.

3

Changing culture

Promoting WR values, ensuring accountability through policies, and offering staff training to create a safe, respectful environment.

4

Raising awareness

Spreading our message via communications and collaborating with schools, businesses, care providers, and learners to make respect and safety a central part of life.

Contact us to find out more about the East Riding approach.

Get involved to find out how you can help us deliver our plan.

What we do for the White Ribbon campaign

Community Action Projects

We work with local communities to encourage engagement in the White Ribbon campaign and roll out projects to address specific needs and challenges related to gender-based violence. These initiatives include safety campaigns, workshops and educational programmes that build a foundation for lasting change at a grassroots level.

For more information about our safety campaigns and support services:

Domestic abuse - staying safe

Domestic abuse - service directory

Community Safety Partnership

Reporting abuse

To report crimes, including violence against women and girls, visit:

Humberside Police reporting page

White Ribbon Day

An annual day of action and reflection, White Ribbon Day encourages people worldwide to unite in challenging gender stereotypes and taking positive steps toward ending violence. Events include marches, talks, and social media campaigns.

Find out more about White Ribbon Day on the White Ribbon website

Youth engagement programmes

Understanding that change starts with future generations, we empower young people through school programmes and mentorship opportunities. These initiatives focus on developing healthy relationships and fostering an understanding of respect and equality.

By participating in these campaigns and initiatives, individuals and organisations alike can contribute to building a safer and more equitable world for everyone.