Barnsley Council Celebrates White Ribbon Accreditation with Plaque Unveiling at Town Hall.

Barnsley Council is proud to announce that it has been officially awarded White Ribbon Accreditation, a significant recognition of its commitment to ending male violence against women and promoting gender equality. The accreditation was marked today with the unveiling of a White Ribbon plaque at Barnsley Town Hall.

The White Ribbon Campaign is a global movement that encourages men and boys to take a stand against violence towards women and girls. Achieving accreditation demonstrates Barnsley Council’s proactive stance in challenging attitudes and behaviours that perpetuate gender-based violence.

Work towards this accreditation began in December 2024, with teams and councillors across the Council collaborating to meet the rigorous requirements. These included:

• Making a strategic commitment to the White Ribbon principles.
• Appointing a senior leader as a White Ribbon Ambassador.
• Designating a main contact to lead a steering group.
• Developing and implementing a three-year action plan focused on:
• Strategic leadership
• Changing culture
• Raising awareness
• Engaging men and boys to end violence against women

As part of this commitment, Barnsley Council hosted its first White Ribbon event during the 16 Days of Action on 26 November, which saw an excellent turnout. The event featured an address from, Kilvinder Vigurs, Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime, highlighting the urgent need to tackle violence against women and girls.

Councillor Cllr Cain, Cabinet Spokesperson for Public Health and Communities, said:
“Violence against women and girls has no place in our society. While we recognise that violence can affect anyone, statistics show that women are disproportionately impacted, often by male perpetrators. Our three-year action plan will ensure we raise awareness, engage men and boys, and embed prevention into everything we do. Together, we can make Barnsley a place where violence against women and girls is never tolerated. By achieving White Ribbon Accreditation, Barnsley Council is sending a clear message that we will challenge harmful attitudes and behaviours and work together to create a safer, more equal borough for everyone.”

Anna Hartley, Executive Director for Public Health and Communities, and the Strategic Lead for White Ribbon, added:
“This accreditation is not just a badge, it represents a long-term commitment to cultural change. Our three-year action plan will ensure we raise awareness, engage men and boys, and embed prevention into everything we do. Together, we can make Barnsley a place where violence against women and girls is never tolerated.”

The unveiling of the plaque at Barnsley Town Hall is a visible symbol of the Council’s pledge to continue this vital work. Through education, awareness, and engagement, Barnsley Council aims to create a culture where violence against women and girls is never tolerated.

For more information about the White Ribbon Campaign and how you can get involved, visit www.whiteribbon.org.uk