On November 25th, for White Ribbon Day, young men in Leeds are powerfully stepping up to challenge misogyny, pledging to never use, excuse, or stay silent about violence against women. Through engaging discussions and partnerships with Leeds City Council and West Yorkshire Police, they are fostering respect and creating safer communities, notably via initiatives like the WalkSafe app and the ‘Stop the Spike’ campaign.
What is White Ribbon Day and how are young men in Leeds taking action against misogyny?
White Ribbon Day, held annually on 25 November, urges men to promise never to use, excuse, or remain silent about violence against women. In Leeds, young men are actively challenging harmful attitudes, promoting safety, and fostering respect to end misogyny in their communities.
White Ribbon Day: A Call for Action and Accountability
Every year on 25 November, White Ribbon Day serves as a key moment to spotlight efforts to end violence against women and girls. White Ribbon UK invites everyone – especially men – to take the White Ribbon Promise: never to use, excuse, or stay silent about violence against women. In Leeds, community safety is at the forefront of this movement. The annual campaign urges men to act as allies, echoing this year’s theme of ‘We Speak Up’. This theme is rooted in the belief that men, and society at large, must use their voices to foster an environment where every person feels safe and respected.
White Ribbon Day marks the start of the global 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence campaign. The campaign runs until 10 December, linking the fight for women’s safety to fundamental human rights. Each year, new themes are added to broaden the scope; for 2023, it is ‘End digital violence against all women and girls.’ By addressing both physical and digital realms, campaigners aim to tackle the evolving nature of gender-based violence.
Leeds City Council, a White Ribbon-accredited organization, has committed itself to an ongoing journey of challenging and changing attitudes. This includes working with the West Yorkshire Police and an array of partners to make the city a safer place. Councillor Sharon Hamilton, Leeds City Council’s deputy executive member for community safety, commented, “Tackling violence against women and girls is a key priority for us and is something we will continue to work hard on together with West Yorkshire Police and other partners. It will not be tolerated in our city.”
Leeds Youth Speak Up: Creating Safer Communities
In 2023, a Leeds youth group, working closely with the city’s youth service team, played a leading role in White Ribbon Day activities. The youth service provides a supportive space for both boys and girls to question and challenge harmful attitudes, allowing young people to explore how their actions affect others. Boys in these groups, many aged just 14, stated their views openly: “No woman should be harassed or made to feel uncomfortable,” one said. Another echoed, “Girls feel less safe on the street than boys do, and I think it should come to an end.”
These candid discussions are part of a broader educational approach. Young men have been encouraged to consider:
– How their behaviour impacts the safety of those around them
– The specific experiences of women and girls in public spaces
– Ways they can foster safety and respect in daily life
The group collectively pledged to reject all forms of physical or psychological harm, showing solidarity by promising to “never use physical or psychological violence”. Their activism reflects a shift toward accountability within their own peer groups and communities. Sharing his motivation, one boy explained, “Kids shouldn’t see their mum being harassed or abused.”
Building Partnerships and Launching Safety Initiatives
Leeds City Council’s dedication to women’s safety is demonstrated through a variety of partnerships and innovation. One such initiative is the collaboration with the WalkSafe app, which offers free services helping residents plan safe walking routes, particularly at night. This project leverages technology to promote real-time safe navigation across the city, giving both residents and visitors increased confidence and security.
Another crucial initiative launched recently is the ‘Stop the Spike’ campaign. It addresses the growing concern of drink and substance spiking in nightlife venues. As part of the campaign, venue staff receive targeted training to help them:
– Recognize signs of spiking
– Support affected individuals
– Report incidents quickly and efficiently
On 29 November, Leeds will host an Action Day featuring campaign representatives at the Woodhouse Moor parkrun and along the popular Otley Run route. These efforts are designed to reach a broad audience, spreading awareness and distributing resources on women’s safety. Across the city, additional events and activities are planned to coincide with the 16 Days of Activism, amplifying the campaign’s message.
The Power of Men as Allies: Changing the Conversation
Central to the White Ribbon campaign is the belief that men must play an active role in challenging misogyny. White Ribbon’s promise specifically invites men to use their voices when witnessing inappropriate behaviour. A 21-year-old participant emphasized, “If a guy sees another guy disrespecting a girl, or anyone, he should stand up against it.” This level of peer accountability is seen as crucial in shifting entrenched cultural norms.
Creating a healthy dialogue around respect, safety, and equality helps break down long-standing gender biases. Leeds youth service provides a vital safe space for these conversations, where young men learn to recognize the power of their actions and words. It’s within such supportive environments that ongoing change is most likely to take root. Activities focus on real-life scenarios, allowing boys to practice their responses and build confidence in speaking out.
White Ribbon Day and the connected 16 Days of Activism highlight a united front: men and boys, standing with women and girls, demanding change. Organisers encourage everyone to make the White Ribbon Promise, rejecting silence and building a culture where misogyny is actively confronted. The campaign’s official website offers further resources, including how to get involved and steps to creating safer, more inclusive communities.
- White Ribbon Day, observed annually on November 25th, encourages men to pledge against using, excusing, or remaining silent about violence against women.
- Young men in Leeds are actively participating in White Ribbon Day by challenging misogynistic attitudes and promoting safety in their communities.
- Leeds City Council, a White Ribbon-accredited organization, collaborates with West Yorkshire Police and other partners to prioritize tackling violence against women and girls.
- The city of Leeds has implemented initiatives like the WalkSafe app for safe route planning and the ‘Stop the Spike’ campaign to address drink and substance spiking in venues.
- The campaign emphasizes the crucial role of men as allies, encouraging them to speak up against inappropriate behavior and foster a culture of respect and equality.