On White Ribbon Day (25 November 2025), Halton Borough Council is reaffirming its commitment to ending violence against women and girls and creating a culture of respect across our communities.
As an accredited White Ribbon organisation, the Council has pledged to challenge attitudes and behaviours that contribute to harassment, abuse, and violence. This accreditation reflects an ongoing commitment to making Halton a safer place for everyone.
The theme for White Ribbon Day 2025 is “We Speak Up”— a call to action for men in particular to challenge harmful behaviours. Whether it’s calling out a sexist joke, stepping in when something feels wrong, or leading by example, these everyday actions—at work and in our communities—help drive lasting change.
Speaking on the importance of White Ribbon Day, Cllr Andrea Wall, the Council’s Executive Board Member for Community Safety, said:
“White Ribbon Day is about starting conversations in our streets, schools, and homes. Change begins at a community level, and when we stand together against violence, we show that respect and safety are everyone’s responsibility.
“Having these important conversations on days like today, brings us one step closer a future where women and girls can live free from fear.”
In the run-up to White Ribbon Day, Council employees have been invited to make personal pledges to speak up against sexism and misogyny. Here are some of the powerful commitments shared:
“I Speak Up: by challenging victim-blaming language and behaviours.”
“I Speak Up: by promoting women’s individuality and empowerment.”
“I Speak Up: by supporting and listening to the voice within female-driven art.”
“I Speak Up: by recognising and respecting the agency held by the women in my life.”
“I Speak Up: by calling in inappropriate behaviours.”
“I Speak Up: by turning data into action to make services safer for survivors.”
“I Speak Up: by setting an example for my daughter and her friends and helping them to recognise and call out harmful words and actions.”
“I Speak Up: by sharing my story to break down barriers and silence that allow abuse, harassment, and misogyny to continue unchecked.”
Council Leader, Cllr Mike Wharton, has added his own pledge:
“This White Ribbon Day, I’m speaking up to make sure respect, safety, and equality aren’t just ideas—they’re everyday realities. My pledge is to keep speaking up for change, because even the smallest actions can make a difference. Every time we ignore something that doesn’t feel right, we miss a chance to set a better example.”
In addition, on 21 November, the Domestic Abuse Partnership Board, in collaboration with the Domestic Abuse Service, hosted an event, ‘Behind Closed Doors: Older people and Domestic Abuse’, to discuss hidden harm and challenging the stigma surrounding not speaking up against domestic abuse.
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 many men are already speaking up and showing that sexism has no place 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.”
White Ribbon UK works to end men’s violence against women and girls by tackling its root causes.
Find out more about White Ribbon Day and the We Speak Up campaign here: www.whiteribbon.org.uk/wespeakup