This article is by Councillor Katie Mansfield, Richmond Council's White Ribbon Champion.

Each year, from 25 November to 16 December, communities across the world come together for the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence. It is a powerful reminder that violence against women and girls (VAWG) is not inevitable. It can be stopped, when we confront it together with honesty and courage.

This year's White Ribbon theme, 'We Speak Up,' calls on all of us to use our voices: to challenge misogyny when we see it, to support survivors with compassion, and to help build communities where everyone feels safe. Speaking up is not always easy, but it can make a powerful difference… and it is how change begins.

White Ribbon is working within the UN's theme, "UNiTE to End Digital Violence against All Women and Girls," which highlights something many of us now see in our daily lives, that online spaces can be as unsafe as physical ones. Digital safety is an essential part of gender equality. Here in Richmond, we are committed to being part of the solution. Over the coming weeks we are offering webinars and training focusing specifically on online safety, providing training on how we can challenge harmful online norms together.

Richmond continues to lead the way in preventing and responding to VAWG. Our recently launched VAWG Strategy 2025–2028 sets out four key priorities: changing harmful attitudes and behaviours, early identification and intervention, providing safety and support, and holding perpetrators to account. At its heart, this strategy represents a change, from responding to harm, to tackling the causes that enable it to occur.

We are particularly proud of initiatives such as the Safe Havens pilot in Barnes, where we have partnered with businesses to offer a safe space for anyone feeling threatened, harassed or unsafe. It's a simple but powerful idea, businesses coming together as a community to say, "You are not alone. Help is here."

Our Active Bystander sessions have also empowered hundreds of people living and working in Richmond. These sessions help participants recognise sexual harassment and abusive behaviour, giving them the tools and confidence to intervene safely or offer support. It has been really inspiring to hear such positive feedback from those who attend - people who say they leave with the belief that they can do something, that small acts really do make a difference. It's these small shifts in confidence and understanding that create an outward ripple that builds a safer community.

Beyond these initiatives, we are also working with local and specialist organisations to help people better understand the complex factors that contribute to VAWG. We are offering training and workshops on topics such as incel culture, healthy masculinity, and online safety for young people.

As part of this year's 16 Days, I encourage everyone to take part in the activities happening across Richmond, from community sessions and online events to our Torchlit White Ribbon Walk at 5pm on 6 December. Being there is one of the most powerful ways we can demonstrate our shared commitment to ending violence in all its forms.

This year's White Ribbon theme reminds us again to speak up. To challenge ourselves to call out misogyny, whether in our homes, our schools, our workplaces, online or our streets. Only then can we create the change we need.

Together, we can ensure that Richmond upon Thames stays safe for everyone.

Helpful links:

https://www.richmond.gov.uk/services/community_safety/vawg/vawg_events#White_Ribbon_events

https://www.richmond.gov.uk/media/axqiw2zj/vawg_strategy_2025_to_2028.pdf

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