Above: Council Leader Pete Marland spoke at the opening of the We Speak Up portrait exhibition in centre:mk yesterday
Milton Keynes City Council is championing local support for White Ribbon, a global campaign that encourages people, especially men and boys, to challenge behaviour and change the culture that leads to abuse and violence against women. The campaign’s ’16 Days of Activism’ began yesterday with a torchlight vigil in Campbell Park.
The City Council has been White Ribbon Accredited since 2022. Its work in this area includes measures to improve safety in the community, support for women and children who to need to escape abuse, and city centre upgrades including increased lighting in underpasses and CCTV along popular pedestrian routes.
It has established a network of male Ambassadors (men who speak up for women and girls and against misogyny) and female Champions among its employees and councillors, to raise awareness of issues.
This year, the White Ribbon Campaign chose Milton Keynes to be the only city to showcase a new multi-media portrait exhibition featuring national White Ribbon Ambassadors from around the UK. The We Speak Up exhibition created by artist Claudia Janke is on display at Silbury Arcade, centre:mk.
Yesterday on White Ribbon Day (25 November), White Ribbon UK CEO Lynne Elliot was one of several speakers who shared reflections and readings during a candlelit vigil in Campbell Park.
Public events are taking place across the city during the 16 Days of Activism. A free domestic abuse awareness event on Thursday 27 November at the City Council’s Civic offices is bringing local agencies together to highlight the help and support available. To book your free ticket, visit Eventbrite.
"In Milton Keynes, we are proud to stand together against violence towards women and girls. Supporting the White Ribbon Campaign is about making our city safer, more respectful, and ensuring that everyone feels valued in our community. Together, we can challenge harmful behaviours and ensure that women and girls in MK feel safe and supported by men and boys.”
Individuals can sign the White Ribbon UK pledge and get more information online at www.whiteribbon.org.uk