Kingston Council has received White Ribbon accreditation, a scheme that recognises organisations that prove they are actively tackling violence against women.
White Ribbon UK is the national arm of the global White Ribbon movement. The charity’s mission is to encourage men to fulfil their pledge to “Never commit, excuse or remain silent about male violence against women”.
Councillor Alison Holt, sponsor for the Women’s (+Allies) Staff Network at Kingston Council, said: “We encourage all men to wear a White Ribbon, and make the promise to never commit, excuse or remain silent about violence against women.
“White Ribbon gives men and boys the tools to call out inappropriate behaviour when they witness it which will help to change behaviours and protect women and girls from abuse. We are very proud to receive this accreditation – but this is just the beginning.”
Kingston Council is holding a drop in event for White Ribbon Day on Thursday 25 November from 2-5pm outside the Guildhall. Its website adds that the Kingston Community Safety team will be outside Guildhall to discuss the importance of men and boys being a part of the conversation, and to highlight the work taking place on a local level to tackle violence against women.
It is also hosting a conference at the Guildhall on 2 December with the Safer Kingston Partnership focusing on The Impacts of Violence Against Women on Black and Minoritised Women.
Organisations with White Ribbon Accreditation are able to demonstrate they meet the Public Sector Equality Duty under the Equality Act 2010, according to White Ribbon UK. Under the Public Sector Equality Duty, public sector organisations must have a due regard of the need to “eliminate discrimination, harassment, victimisation” amongst other requirements.
So far, more than 38,000 people over the age of 14 have made the promise online, the charity’s website says.
