Leeds City Council is fiercely committed to ending violence against women, recently reaccredited as a White Ribbon organisation and launching initiatives like the ‘Race the Dark’ marathon. With the support of technology such as the WalkSafe app and community events, they strive to create a safer environment for women and girls while engaging the public in global campaigns against gender-based violence.
What is Leeds City Council doing to combat violence against women?
Leeds City Council, reaccredited as a White Ribbon organisation, is combatting violence against women by partnering with charities, and launching initiatives like ‘Race the Dark’ marathon. They support technology like the WalkSafe app and participate in global campaigns such as the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, fostering a safe environment for women and girls.
Safer Leeds Initiative
Leeds City Council has embarked on a commendable journey, renewing its status as a White Ribbon organisation. The significance of this reaccreditation cannot be overstated. It represents a steadfast dedication to creating a safer environment for women and girls within the city. The council has not only pledged to address and prevent domestic violence but is also proactively engaging with charities and the third sector to amplify its efforts.
The White Ribbon organisation emerges as the UK’s leading entity in motivating men and boys to combat violence against women and girls. By aligning with White Ribbon, the council is part of a wider movement that prioritizes the safety of women and promotes gender equality. This partnership is pivotal in fostering community support and mobilizing local resources towards protecting vulnerable demographics.
The council’s officers are set to partake in a marathon aptly named ‘Race the Dark.’ This event is organized in conjunction with the White Ribbon founder and is symbolic of the daily precautions women take for safety. Scheduled to commence at dawn on 22 November, participants will run from Leeds City Centre to Saltaire and back before dusk. Such an initiative not only raises awareness but also funds for critical support services.
Engaging the Community
In the heart of Leeds, a sculpture titled ‘Ribbons’ near the Leeds City College’s Quarry Hill campus signifies the start of this crucial race. Participants will journey from this emblematic location, laden with the names of influential Leeds women, and make their way back by sundown to Laynes — a proud member of the Ask for Angela scheme. This scheme is among the safety initiatives endorsed by the council, illustrating a tangible commitment to citizens’ welfare.
The following day, on the 23rd of November, Woodhouse Moor is set to host a parkrun at 9 am, under the White Ribbon banner. This event is anticipated to draw a crowd of around 500 runners, offering an invaluable opportunity for the council and the charity to engage with the public. By doing so, they amplify the message of the White Ribbon campaign, encouraging widespread participation and support.
These events are not standalone initiatives; they are part of a series intended to bolster the city’s resolve against gender-based violence. Leeds City Council, under the leadership of Councillor Mary Harland, has articulated a clear stance. “We are proud to have received our reaccreditation as a White Ribbon organisation,” Councillor Harland remarked, “…highlighting the hard work in striving toward a city where women and girls are safe and feel safe, no matter the time of day or night.”
Technology and Partnerships
Technology plays a crucial role in safety, and Leeds City Council has embraced this by collaborating with the WalkSafe app. This free app serves as a beacon of safety, promoting secure nighttime walking routes throughout Leeds. It connects users to ‘safe spaces’, including businesses that are part of the Ask for Angela scheme.
The Women’s Night Safe Space, a specialized mobile service, offers refuge to women and girls in distress during the night in the city centre. Such innovations are vital in providing immediate support and reassurance. It’s through these strategic partnerships that the council demonstrates its unwavering commitment to public safety.
The 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, starting on 25 November and ending on 10 December, encompasses this entire period of heightened awareness. It is a time when the global community acknowledges the intrinsic link between violence against women and human rights. Leeds City Council’s reaccreditation and its series of events are a testament to the city’s solidarity with this cause.
In essence, the council is not just adhering to a principle but is actively engaging in a wider cultural shift. Councillor Julie Heselwood, Leeds City Council’s Women’s Champion, states, “We are proud to be an accredited White Ribbon city, and even more proud of the partnerships the council has to help keep women and girls safe.” Her words echo the broader context of the city’s initiatives, designed to foster an environment of safety and respect.
Anthea Sully, CEO of White Ribbon UK, also weighed in by saying, “I hope by taking on the challenge of running from dawn to dusk to race the dark we will show the realities that women face on a day to day basis in keeping themselves safe.” Ms. Sully further emphasizes that the responsibility of ensuring safety should not rest solely on women, calling for men to play a proactive role in making society safer for all.
In conclusion, the actions and strategies implemented by Leeds City Council in collaboration with White Ribbon UK and other partners reflect a comprehensive approach to combating violence against women. The council’s reaccreditation as a White Ribbon organisation is not just a badge of honor but a call to action for the entire community to stand united in this cause. The upcoming ‘Race the Dark’ marathon and the White Ribbon-branded parkrun are emblematic of the city’s resolve, galvanizing public support and fostering a culture of safety and equality for women and girls in Leeds.
- Leeds City Council has been reaccredited as a White Ribbon organisation, demonstrating its commitment to ending violence against women and girls.
- The council is launching initiatives like the ‘Race the Dark’ marathon to raise awareness and funds for support services.
- Technology, such as the WalkSafe app, is being utilized to promote safe walking routes and connect users to local ‘safe spaces’.
- Upcoming community events, including a parkrun under the White Ribbon banner, aim to engage the public and amplify the message against gender-based violence.
- The council’s efforts align with the global 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, highlighting the commitment to safety and gender equality in Leeds.