Rhondda Cynon Taf Council is proud to be hosting a special event on Monday, November 25, to mark White Ribbon Day, also known as the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, observed annually on November 25. This year’s event will mark the 10th year that the Council has publicly demonstrated support, with last year’s event seeing over 50 individuals joining us.
Event details: Pontypridd Library, Llys Cadwyn, CF37 4TH, from 5.30pm to 7.30pm. All are welcome to join.
The evening will feature a performance by young people from YEPS, speeches, poems, information stalls, and a candlelit vigil to honour the victims of violence against women and girls.
We will also be joined by Alex Davies-Jones, Member of Parliament for Pontypridd and Minister for Victims & Violence Against Women and Girls; Cllr. Maureen Webber, Deputy Leader of Rhondda Cynon Taf Council; Cllr. Bob Harris, Cabinet Member for Public Health and Communities; Jonathan Duckham, Chief Inspector at South Wales Police; Jo Ledley, Football Association of Wales Ambassador; and representatives from the RCT Community Domestic Abuse Project.
Cllr. Bob Harris, Cabinet Member for Public Health & Communities, said: “Each year Rhondda Cynon Taf Council holds a special community event to show support to the victims of male violence against women and girls, an important topic that White Ribbon Day recognises.
“By continuing to mark this occasion, the Council pledges to continue to prioritise and invest in services, resources, and policies that focus on the prevention of violence against women and girls throughout the Country Borough.
“This year’s theme, It Starts with Men, demonstrates how important it is to actively involve men and boys in these conversations. By coming together, we can raise awareness and work towards a future where everyone can live free from fear and violence.”
White Ribbon Day is a significant occasion that highlights the importance of addressing and preventing violence against women and girls. According to recent statistics, 70% of women in the UK say they have experienced sexual harassment in public (APPG for UN Women, 2021), while 17% of women in Wales say they have experienced online violence (Open University, 2024). These statistics underscore the urgent need for action.
The White Ribbon campaign emphasises that this is not solely a women’s issue, but one that requires the active involvement men and boys. This year’s theme is “It Starts with Men,” encourages men to become allies and take responsibility for fostering a culture of respect and equality.
Alex Davies-Jones, Member of Parliament for Pontypridd and Minister for Victims & Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG), said: “White Ribbon Day serves as a powerful reminder that we all have a role to play in ending violence against women and girls, and that it starts with men being proactive in challenging harmful behaviours and attitudes.
“This UK Government, working with the Labour Government in Wales, has an ambitious mission to halve violence against women and girls, and the hard work on that has already begun.
“Women deserve to feel safe, in school, in work, online, and in their homes. But we cannot do it alone, we will work across Government and across society to achieve this mission.”
In our continuing support for White Ribbon Day, the Council will be participating in White Ribbon UK’s #16DayOfActivism campaign that runs from November 25 until December 10, which is annually recognised as Human Rights Day.
In line with this year’s theme, we will be highlighting the ways in which our male members of staff, including senior officers and councillors, have pledged to never use, excuse, or remain silent about men’s violence against women. Without the allyship of our male colleagues, friends, and family members, we cannot end violence against women and girls.
We invite everyone to join us in this important event to show their solidarity, support, and allyship for victims of violence. Whether it’s wearing a white ribbon, hosting your own candlelit vigil, or simply spreading awareness by resharing our posts, we all have a part to play in this important cause.
Anthea Scully, Chief Executive of White Ribbon UK, said: “We can end violence against women and girls together, and we can’t do that without your support.
“It takes us all to act to create change. By supporting White Ribbon UK, you are helping us to carry out our vital work.”
The White Ribbon movement was established in Canada in 1991 by a group of pro-feminist men in response to the 1989 École Polytechnique massacre, where fourteen female students were killed by Marc Lépine as a result of his hatred towards women. The movement is now active in over 60 countries worldwide and seeks to promote healthy relationships, gender equality, and a compassionate vision of masculinity, as well as violence prevention.
White Ribbon UK was set up in 2005 to prevent men’s violence against women by addressing the root causes and promoting positive cultural change. The organisation encourages men to hold themselves accountable and support gender equality to create safer communities for everyone. They work with over 7000 individuals and 400 organisations to positively change harmful cultures, attitudes, and behaviours, enabling women and girls to live without the fear of violence or harassment.
For more information about White Ribbon UK, please contact them by phone: 01422 417 327, email: info@whiteribbon.org.uk, or online: https://www.whiteribbon.org.uk/
For more information or support for Domestic Abuse and Domestic Violence, please visit: https://www.rctcbc.gov.uk/EN/Resident/EmergenciesSafetyandCrime/CommunitySafetyPartnership/Domesticabuse.aspx
