NORTH Ayrshire Council have pledged to support an end to violence against women as the annual White Ribbon 16 Days of Action campaign gets under way.

The initiative, which is supported by North Ayrshire Council and the Community Planning Partnership, starts on Friday, November 25.

The White Ribbon campaign is a worldwide movement set up and co-ordinated by men who know there is never an excuse for violence against women. They pledge never to condone it, or to stand by when they know it’s happening.

Councillor Catherine McMillian, Chairperson of the Violence Against Women Partnership, said: “We are delighted to yet again be supporting this campaign and sending out a strong message that violence against women will never be tolerated.

“This campaign is about raising awareness and that all of us – men, women, employers and communities – have a responsibility to make sure we prevent it from happening and to support those that have suffered from it.

“We have great support from community partners and we are looking forward to working with them over the 16 days.”

The North Ayrshire Community Planning Partnership will begin its own 16 days of action with a staff event in the Council Chambers on Friday, November 25, where they will look at violence against women in the workplace, how they can promote gender inequality and how to support those affected.

The launch will be followed by a calendar of new events and initiatives which will be delivered across North Ayrshire on each day of the campaign, giving local people the opportunity to get involved and sign ‘The Pledge’

Some of the events organised include: information and pledge-signing at Evolution Skatepark as part of a wider BMX/skate and bands jam, and events at Ayrshire College including a panel discussion. 

North Ayrshire Council’s Cabinet will sign the National Violence Against Women Statement of Intent prior to a meeting of Cabinet on Tuesday, December 6. There will also be events at various local supermarkets.
The campaign will culminate with the annual ‘Reclaim the Night’ walk from Irvine’s Harbour Arts Centre to Bridgegate which will take place on Thursday, December 8.