North Herts Council is marking White Ribbon Day this week (25 November) by reaffirming its commitment to ending men's violence against women and girls—one year after becoming an accredited White Ribbon organisation.

White Ribbon accreditation recognises organisations that are actively working to change cultures, attitudes and behaviours that can lead to abuse. Over the past year, the council has strengthened its approach through staff training and closer partnership work.

This year's theme, 'We Speak Up', encourages everyone—especially men and boys—to challenge harmful behaviour and help create safer communities.

To mark White Ribbon Day, council staff are adding their pledges to a "pledge tree", sharing personal commitments to help end violence against women and girls. A charity cake bake is also raising funds for White Ribbon UK and Survivors Against Domestic Abuse (SADA).

At the start of the year the council and its Community Safety Partnership launched the Women and Girls Safety Charter, in response to growing concerns about male violence against women and girls. The charter involves working with local licensed venues to train staff and implement safety measures to create safer public spaces. More than 20 Hitchin venues have signed up so far, with more to follow in Letchworth and Royston.

Cllr Daniel Allen, North Herts Council's Leader and Executive Member for Governance, said: "As a proud ambassador of White Ribbon, White Ribbon Day reminds us that preventing violence against women and girls is everyone's responsibility. We are proud to be accredited and to lead by example through our work with local communities and partners. By speaking up, challenging harmful behaviour, and supporting those who feel unsafe, we can all help make North Herts a safer place for women and girls."