We are supporting White Ribbon Day on Monday 25 November
St Albans City and District Council is supporting White Ribbon Day on Monday 25 November – a global campaign to end male violence against women.
White Ribbon is the UK’s leading charity that engages men and boys to end violence against women and girls. Its aim is to prevent violence by addressing its root causes.
The Council has signed the White Ribbon pledge and gained White Ribbon status by ensuring women across the District who experience violence know that help is available.
This year the Council has been providing local business with White Ribbon information to display at their offices to increase awareness of the campaign.
It also held a staff training session on the aims of the programme and how people can assist at work and in their personal lives.
Councillor Paul de Kort, the Council Leader and Chair of the St Albans White Ribbon Steering Group, said:
We are supporting White Ribbon Day to bring attention to the important role men play in ending violence against women and girls.
As a Council, we strive to foster an environment where everyone feels empowered to
stand up to abuse and harassment, especially instances fuelled by sexist and misogynistic attitudes.
For the past three years, we have been working with White Ribbon UK and our staff to foster values and beliefs that contribute to a more inclusive working environment.
In addition, the Council is supporting the UN’s Orange the World initiative, with the colour symbolising a brighter future free of violence against women.
Two hundred orange bulbs will be planted in the Rose Garden, next to the Civic Centre, for survivors and victims of domestic abuse.
This is being undertaken with the assistance of Morgan Sindall Property Services, the Council’s housing repairs contractor.
St Albans Museum + Gallery will be lit up in the orange campaign colour on Monday 25 November for 16 days.
The St Albans and District branch of Soroptimist International, a global women’s organisation, asked the Council for this to be done.
Among those due to attend the lighting up ceremony are Cllr de Kort, Cllr Jamie Day, the Mayor of St Albans City and District, Jonathan Ash-Edwards, Hertfordshire Police and Crime Commissioner, and Annie Brewster, the High Sheriff of Hertfordshire.
Everyone is welcome to gather on the concourse outside to watch the Museum being lit up at 5pm.
This lighting of the Museum will coincide with 16 days of activism across the country aimed at ending gender-based violence. During this period, people will be encouraged to wear something orange.
You can find out more about White Ribbon UK and take their promise here: https://www.whiteribbon.org.uk/.
For more information about the St Albans District branch of Soroptimist International and their Orange the World campaign go to: https://sigbi.org/st-albans-and-district/2024/orange24/
Contact for the media: John McJannet, Principal Communications Officer: 01727-819533, john.mcjannet@stalbans.gov.uk.