East Ayrshire Council awarded White Ribbon status
East Ayrshire Council has been awarded White Ribbon status at the National White Ribbon Conference in recognition of the work that has taken place over many years to engage men in preventing and ending violence against women and girls.
The award is the result of partnership working between organisations including East Ayrshire Council, Police Scotland, British Transport Police, Kilmarnock College, Kilmarnock Football Club, East Ayrshire Advocacy Services, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, and Scotrail.
East Ayrshire Council’s White Ribbon Ambassador Councillor Jim McMahon accepted the award along with Diane Langley, Lead Officer, Violence Against Women and Girls; Ranald Mair, volunteer speaker, and Isla Maguire, the young designer of the East Ayrshire White Ribbon logo.
Councillor McMahon, who spoke at the conference, said: “Gaining White Ribbon status is a fitting recognition for the many years of hard work we’ve seen from all partners in their commitment to end violence against women and girls.
“Through outreach work, the Council and our partners have been involving more men across East Ayrshire in addressing issues of violence against women. Our Steering Group devised an Action Plan which involves training speakers to talk about the issue, collecting White Ribbon pledges, and holding events across our communities, all of which led to us receiving this award.
“I’d like to thank everyone who has been involved in this incredibly important work, and I know that there’s so much more good work still to come.”
White Ribbon stalls, where you can sign a pledge to never commit, condone or remain silent about violence against women, will play an important part in East Ayrshire's 16 Days of Action campaign due to take place from 25 November until 10 December. The full programme of activities will be released soon.
Find out more about White Ribbon Scotland.
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