The Leader of Bolton Council, Cllr Nick Peel, along with The Mayor of Bolton, Chief Executive, Sue Johnson, local councillors and members of the Corporate Leadership Team met at the iconic Knife Angel monument to pledge support.
White Ribbon UK works to prevent violence against women and girls by men and aims to stop violence before it starts.
This year, White Ribbon encourages individuals and organisations to make consistent choices and actions to change the story so that women and girls can live their lives free from the fear of violence.
Violence experienced by women and girls takes many forms. Some behaviours and words may seem ‘harmless’ but normalising them ignores the short and long-term effects and can lead to more extreme violence.
Being allies with women every day shouldn’t be underestimated — even the smallest actions can affect big change.
White Ribbon Day, on Saturday 25 November, also coincides with the 1st day of 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence.
The Leader of Bolton Council, Cllr Nick Peel, said:
“I’m proud to support the White Ribbon campaign and I’m committed to helping to end violence against women and girls.
“It’s important that people feel safe in Bolton and even small things we can do to make changes will have a positive impact.”
Bolton Council’s Cabinet Member for Stronger Communities, Cllr Rabiya Jiva, said:
“Campaigns like this make people think about things that may be going on around them and I’m proud to be part of trying to support women and girls.
“I’d urge everybody to get involved and help protect those that may be suffering in silence.”
The public can get involved by signing an online promise, “I promise to: Never use, excuse or remain silent about men’s violence against women”, at www.whiteribbon.org.uk/promise
They can also play their part by sharing the Greater Manchester Gender Based Violence Campaign #IsThisOK – www.isthisokgm.co.uk Details on how to report incidents are also on this website.
A candlelit vigil and Christmas concert, organised by Endeavour, will also take place at the Parish Church on 8 December 2023 at 6pm in support of those experiencing domestic abuse and remembering those that have lost their lives.
