Congleton Town Council is speaking up for women and girls

Congleton Town Council’s White Ribbon Group is preparing to speak up to end violence against women and girls for the annual ’16 days of activism’ starting on White Ribbon Day, 25th November, and ending on International Human Rights Day, 10th December.

The White Ribbon movement engages men specifically to challenge the attitudes and behaviours that lead to men’s violence against women.

Congleton Town Council is a White Ribbon Accredited organisation and has a White Ribbon Group consisting of councillors, officers and members of the public, who are White Ribbon Ambassadors or Champions.

Chair of the Town Council’s White Ribbon Working Group, Cllr Richard Walton explained:

“The 2025 theme for White Ribbon Day, We Speak Up, encourages men to challenge harmful behaviours, whether it’s calling out a sexist joke, stepping in when something’s not right, or leading by example. These everyday actions, at work, at home and in the community, set the tone for lasting change.

“We have had a good year of engagement, including visiting high schools, pubs and businesses, and running a special event for parents of adolescent youngsters, which was very well-received.

“The latest figures show that there are more than 2000 sexual assaults every day in England and Wales, on average. From this and our conversations with people in Congleton, it is clear that the work of the team is more important than ever.”

The White Ribbon Group will be in the town centre on a stall on 22nd November from 10am-2pm to encourage shoppers to make their White Ribbon promise to ‘never use, excuse or remain silent about men’s violence against women or any gender-based violence’.  They will be in town again on White Ribbon Day, the 25th November, to hand out leaflets and talk to residents and business owners.

The team will also be visiting town-centre pubs and bars on 21st November to chat about the White Ribbon movement and encourage publicans and drinkers to join in, distributing beermats and posters to promote the campaign.

White Ribbon Ambassador and Congleton Town Council Chief Officer, David McGifford, said:

“At the Town Council we’re speaking up to make sure that respect and equality aren’t just ideas, but everyday realities. We are committed to ensuring our residents, colleagues and visitors feel safe and valued in Congleton.

“The White Ribbon Flag will fly from the Town Hall, you’ll see posters and banners around the town, and ribbons will appear on the lampposts in the town centre to remind everyone that we are speaking up to end sexism, violence and abuse, on White Ribbon Day, and every day.”

The White Ribbon Ambassadors and Champions have made a series of videos, each explaining different ways that the Town Council and White Ribbon Group are speaking up against sexism and harassment. These will appear on social media throughout the 16 days.

There is also a 2025 version of the Congleton White Ribbon Film made by Prickly Peach Films, featuring Ambassadors, Police and Fire Officers, the PCC Dan Price, local MP Sarah Russell, business owners and sixth form students, explaining the problem White Ribbon aims to address, and why everyone should speak up to end violence.

Lynne Elliot, CEO of White Ribbon UK, said:

“This White Ribbon Day isn’t just about raising awareness - it’s about taking action. We know that there are already lots of men speaking up and showing that there’s no place for sexism in our workplaces, streets, or communities. We want even more men to join in. It starts with small actions, and it starts with speaking up.”

Individuals can make their promise at any time online at: 

www.whiteribbon.org.uk

If any organisations, clubs or employers are interested in becoming White Ribbon supporter organisations, please contact the team via:

 info@congleton-tc.gov.uk

...and a member of the White Ribbon Group will be pleased to talk to you about the process.

For support in Cheshire East with Sexual or Domestic Violence call:

0300 123 5101

White Ribbon UK is the working name of White Ribbon Campaign Ltd, a registered charity in England and Wales (No. 1123874) and a company limited by guarantee (No. 05617302).

You can find out more about White Ribbon Day and We Speak Up here:

www.whiteribbon.org.uk/wespeakup

Pictured - The White Ribbon team at Congleton High School for last year’s White Ribbon Day.