The Results
Should the SA become a White Ribbon supporter to end Gender Based Violence?
With an 86% majority vote in favour, this idea has been passed.
THE ISSUE
More than ever before, tackling Gender Based Violence (GBV) is a key issue that must be addressed in colleges today. GBV often stems from "Social norms supporting violence as a means of conflict resolution" and "The unequal position of women in relationships and society" (Public Health Scotland). For example, public sexual harassment (PSH) is the most common form of GBV with 84% of students having experienced PSH.
THE IDEA
The White Ribbon is one of the leading UK charities campaigning against gender-based violence. Becoming a supporter costs a nominal fee (£99) that will be re-invested in the work of White Ribbon as well as give us access to a huge variety of resources to addres Gender Based Violence on campus. Supporter framework includes:
- Encourage all staff to make the White Ribbon Promise to never commit, excuse or remain silent about male violence against women.
- Recruit at least one male White Ribbon Ambassador (or woman Champion if there are no male staff who can undertake this role)
- Wear a White Ribbon and display it where appropriate – especially around White Ribbon Day, 25th November.
- Post the ‘White Ribbon Supporter’ badge on your website.
- Hold at least one awareness and fund raising event or activity a year. Many organisations will do this around White Ribbon Day 25th November.
- Ensure you have policies or protocols in place if your staff or customers disclose that they are a victim of violence.
- Make sure women know where to get help – this could be through posters, find help cards – we can offer suggestions suitable to your organisation.
THE IMPACT
By working with their experts we can work to make a difference in your communities to end gender based violence, improve our organisational culture, safety and morale and increase the knowledge and skills of your staff to address gender based violence. Additionally, Public sector bodies achieving White Ribbon Accreditation are able to demonstrate they are meeting the Public Sector Equality Duty under the Equality Act 2010.
"For me, being an ambassador is about demonstrating a commitment to gender-equality in its totality...a goal that would doubtless lead to a dramatic reduction in the prevalence of male violence towards women."
White Ribbon Ambassador, Barry Cusack