Wokingham Borough Council is now White Ribbon accredited

The Liberal Democrats in Wokingham are delighted that Wokingham Borough Council is now White Ribbon accredited, having committed to promoting a culture of equality and respect.  

Wokingham Liberal Democrats, whilst in opposition in 2021, pushed hard to get Wokingham Borough Council to seek White Ribbon Accreditation. White Ribbon is an organisation which takes a community approach to end violence against women and girls by addressing its root causes - the normalisation of sexist, harassing and violent behaviour of men towards women and girls.

At that time the Conservative led council rejected this proposal and not a single Conservative councillor would publicly make the White Ribbon promise to “never use, excuse or remain silent about men’s violence against women.”

A demonstration was held in November 2021 outside of the council office’s in Shute End, which was attended by over 50 members of the community.

In 2022, the Lib Dem led council agreed to seek White Ribbon accreditation which also forms part of its action plan in the recently approved strategy to end violence against women and girls (VAWG) in the Borough.

Lib Dem Councillor Stephen Conway, Leader of Wokingham Borough Council, said:
“We want the council to be a role model in tackling violence against women and girls. That means acknowledging and addressing the culture which results in over 2 women a week being killed by a partner or ex-partner in this country. 

“It’s vital that those impacted by violence against women and girls have access to the support that they need, but it’s also vital that we take a long term approach encouraging all men to take responsibility for their actions, and supporting them to call out harassing and sexist behaviour when they see it.

“By challenging long-established attitudes and behaviours we want to prevent violence before it happens.”