Every year, November 25 marks the global awareness-raising day of the campaign that encourages people, and especially men and boys, to take action and change the behaviour and culture that leads to abuse and violence.

Violence against women and girls is rooted in harmful masculine traits and this year’s theme highlights the need to, starting with men, address attitudes and behaviours that contribute to a fear of violence for women in their day-to-day lives.

Cardiff Council is now in its third term as an accredited organisation recognised by White Ribbon UK, the leading charity engaging men and boys to prevent violence against women and girls, for its commitment to work towards transformational culture change in staff culture, systems, with customers, stakeholders and communities.

The Council has also agreed for Cardiff to become a city that reflects the principles of the Convention on the Elimination of all forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW). This will involve a dedicated programme of work to promote gender equality, protect women’s rights, and eliminate all forms of discriminatory practices against women.

Once again this year, a packed calendar of events, workshops and training opportunities has been arranged throughout November and early December to mark the campaign. This includes the annual Not in My Name Candlelight Vigil on the steps of the Senedd in Cardiff Bay last week  and this morning’s march from Cathedral Road to Llandaff Cathedral for a multi-faith Light a Candle service.

The distinctive White Ribbon symbol has also been projected onto Cardiff Castle’s keep to remember all those affected by Violence Against Women, Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence and to highlight the city-wide approach to ending violence and abuse.

White Ribbon Ambassador and Cabinet Member for Finance, Performance and Modernisation, Cllr Chris Weaver, said: “We need to work together - as council, a city, a nation to prevent violence against women and girls but as the theme of this year’s White Ribbon campaign says,  

it starts with men so we’re working to make sure that even more men are supported to be better allies to women and girls.

“The Council is committed to challenging and changing any culture of sexism and misogyny through activities and interventions which address harmful behaviours, and to continuing to place accountability for abuse on those who cause harm.”