Tuesday November 25 marked the start of the international campaign to fight against gender-based violence, and Stirling Council have again indicated their endorsement of the efforts made to advocate against violence against women and girls.
16 Days of Activism is an international campaign which was launched in 1991 to coexist with the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and runs until Human Rights Day on December 10.
Stirling Council Community Wellbeing Convener, Cllr Brian Hambly said: “The 16 Days of Activism campaign offers us an annual chance to reflect on the scale of the challenge we face in our communities to challenge gender-based violence head on 365 days a year.
“We remain committed to creating an equally safe society for women and girls throughout Stirling, and indeed the wider Forth Valley. We must remain alert to misogyny wherever we see it, whether in person or in online spaces which contribute to a culture that allows gender-based violence to manifest. We all must play a role in helping to tackle violence against women and girls.”
“their passion and committment is an investment”
In accordance with the programme of events set to occur across the Forth Valley, an awareness raising event is taking place at Stirling train station on Thursday December 4, at which members of the public will be invited to sign the ‘White Ribbon pledge’. In addition, the Tolbooth will be illuminated in Orange on December 10 to mark Human Rights Day as the last day of ’16 Days of Activism’ against Gender-Based Violence.
Stirling Council was the first ever local authority in Scotland to be given ‘White Ribbon’ status. Since 2012, an Elected Member has been appointed to act as Champion for the campaign.
White Ribbon Champion, Cllr Martin Earl, said: “I am inspired by the relentless work being carried out across Stirling and the Forth Valley by councils and partner organisations. Their passion and commitment is an investment for positive changes in culture and behaviour to eradicate gender based violence.
“The 16 Days campaign is an opportunity to showcase the work being carried out in our communities to tackle violence against women and girls, as well as amplifying the voices of people who have been affected by it.
“This year’s campaign underlines the scale of the challenge to tackle this issue. It also highlights new and emerging root causes of violence that originate online and can poison attitudes against women. We all have our part to play in helping to curb gender-based violence.”
Featured image credit: Improvement Service
