Above: Crowds gathered for the White Ribbon Vigil in Campbell Park yesterday evening
Milton Keynes City Council is leading local support for White Ribbon, a global campaign that encourages people, especially men and boys, to challenge behaviour and change the culture that leads to abuse and violence against women.
Positive action by the City Council led to it becoming White Ribbon Accredited in 2022. Its work in this area includes forward thinking policies, measures to improve safety in the community, and support for women and children who need to flee violence and abuse.
City centre upgrades have been made to give women more confidence they can be safe at night, including lighting and reflective paint in underpasses along popular pedestrian routes to increase visibility, CCTV, and cutting back bushes and shrubs at entry and exit routes.
The City Council has also established a network of male Ambassadors and female Champions among its employees and councillors, to promote the message and raise awareness.
Yesterday on White Ribbon Day (25 November), the MK Youth Council shared a poem to advocate their support of the campaign during a candlelit vigil in Campbell Park. Following this, events are taking place across the city during 16 Days of Action.
“Women and girls have the right to feel safe in our city. Whilst we are proud to call ourselves a White Ribbon City, we know there is still more work to be done. Lots of people are signing up to be ambassadors and champions and I am asking local organisations of all sizes to join us and lend their support to these issues. Together, we can challenge harmful behaviours and ensure that women and girls in MK can feel safe and supported by men and boys.”
Individuals can sign the White Ribbon UK pledge and get more information online at www.whiteribbon.org.uk
Above: Cllr Pete Marland, MK Council Leader, joined local partners for a series of White Ribbon talks at MK Gallery yesterday evening