Oldham Council is marking White Ribbon Day by launching a bid to become White Ribbon accredited

Today Oldham Council is marking White Ribbon Day by launching a bid to become White Ribbon accredited.

Their three-year accreditation plan will see the council drive social change, strengthen gender equality and end violence against women and girls in Oldham.

The White Ribbon Accreditation programme ensures organisations take a strategic approach to ending male violence against women by engaging with men and boys, changing cultures and raising awareness.

Rebekah Sutcliffe, Strategic Director of Communities and Reform, said: “It’s not just about violence against women, it’s about ending abusive behaviour against anyone, by anyone.

“We will be recruiting partner organisations across the borough to stand with us to end all types of abuse whether it be physical, sexual, psychological or coercive behaviour.

“Becoming White Ribbon accredited shows our commitment to colleagues, residents and visitors of Oldham by pledging not to commit, condone or remain silent about violence in any form”.

White Ribbon UK was founded in 2005, although the global movement was formed by a group of pro-feminist men in Ontario in November 1991 as a response to the Ecole Polytechnique massacre in 1989 – the movement aim being to end male violence against women.

Their volunteer ambassador work sees them act as role models as they engage with other men and boys to call out abusive and sexist behaviour among their peers and promote a culture of equality and respect.

If you would like to find out more about White Ribbon UK, you can visit www.whiteribbon.org.uk/

Author: Jude Gidney - Editor

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