White Ribbon Day (WRD) is on Monday 25 November. A day which also marks the start of the 16 days of activism for ending gender-based violence.
WRD is promoted by White Ribbon, the UK’s leading charity engaging men and boys to end violence against women and girls. Every day, around the world, approximately 100 women die because of their gender.
Society puts the onus on women to change their behaviours to avoid being assaulted, raped or murdered. The focus needs to shift to create a change in men’s behaviour towards women to stop these crimes. Their work is preventative, they want to stop violence before it starts.
White Ribbon Day vigil
On Monday 25 November Bracknell Forest Council, in partnership with local charities Berkshire Women’s Aid and Kaleidoscopic UK, is holding a vigil to raise awareness of WRD and the 16 days of activism to challenge violence against women and girls.
The vigil will also be an opportunity to reflect and remember those that have been lost due to gender-based violence.
There will be several speakers throughout the evening, including the Mayor of the borough of Bracknell Forest. The event will take place between 6pm and 7pm in Union Square, The Lexicon, next to Five Guys. Everyone is welcome.
About White Ribbon Day
This year, the theme for WRD is #ItStartsWithMen. 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 theme encourages 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. Together, we can prevent violence against women and girls.
Elimination of violence against women
Monday 25 November also marks International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, followed by 16 days of activism which conclude on Tuesday 10 December, a day that commemorates the International Human Rights Day.
This campaign will call on individuals to show how much they care about ending violence, and that there is #NoExcuse for violence against women and girls.
Forms of violence against women and girls
Violence against women and girls happens globally. It covers a range of crimes that disproportionately affect women and girls and causes harm to millions. It can happen anywhere and takes many forms, including domestic abuse, sexual assault and stalking. Some behaviours may be dismissed as ‘small’ acts, like sharing sexist ‘jokes’ at work or in group chats, catcalling women in the street or harassing women on a night out.
However, these all contribute towards creating a culture of fear and misogyny that encourages violence and abuse against women. This can result in, or is likely to result in physical, sexual or psychological harm or suffering to women.
To take a stand against violence towards women, thousands of people across the UK wear a white ribbon which acts as a symbolic pledge never to commit, excuse or remain silent about male violence against women. To show our support, Time Square will be lit in white on Monday 25 November.
Help and support
In Bracknell Forest, there were 2,707 domestic abuse related incidents recorded by the police in 2023 to 2024, this is an average of 7 reports a day. This includes incidents reported by both men and women.
We know that many victims will find it hard to seek support, however there is help available locally. Berkshire Women’s Aid provides support to victims of domestic abuse regardless of sex, ethnicity, religion, age, sexual orientation or disability.
Kaleidoscopic UK is a charitable organisation of survivors, for survivors of domestic abuse.
If you are in immediate danger, call 999 and ask for the police. If you can’t speak and are calling on a mobile, press 55 to have your call transferred to the police. Find out how to call the police when you can’t speak (Silent Solution).
For more help and information, you can download and use apps such as the Bright Sky app or Hollie Guard app. Other safety initiatives include the Safe Spaces scheme and Ask for Angela. For more domestic abuse information and support, visit our website.