Tuesday 25 November marks White Ribbon Day, a global campaign that encourages men to speak out against violence towards women and girls and challenge harmful gender stereotypes.

This year’s theme is ‘We Speak Up: We can prevent violence against women and girls. We Speak Up to create a world where everyone is safe, equal and respected.’

To show support, Cambridge City Council is flying the White Ribbon flag at the Guildhall.

This day also marks the UN International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, launching the 16 Days of Action (25 November to 10 December), ending on Human Rights Day.

White Ribbon Day is encouraging men to hold themselves accountable to women and to each other, so we can affect positive behaviour change to transform harmful cultures.

White Ribbon Matchday

Cambridge United Football Club will dedicate their match against Crewe Alexandra to raising awareness of the White Ribbon campaign on Saturday 29 November.

The council will return with a stall in the North Habbin Fan Zone, sharing advice and support available in the city with fans.

Cllr Mike Todd-Jones, Cabinet Member for Safety, Wellbeing and Tackling Homelessness, said: “We’re proud to stand alongside Cambridge United once again for their White Ribbon Day fixture.

“This is more than a match – it’s a chance to start real conversations about our shared responsibility to end violence against women and girls. Change begins with reflection, asking ourselves what role we play and what difference we can make.

“It’s not just about obvious acts of violence. It’s about the everyday choices – speaking up when a friend makes an inappropriate joke, challenging harmful attitudes, and refusing to look the other way.

“On a personal note, I signed up to the White Ribbon pledge five years ago and it would be great to see more fans pledging to never commit, excuse, or stay silent about violence against women and girls. Every pledge matters. Together, we can build a safer city for everyone.”

Cambridge United Foundation has partnered with Pledge United to deliver the UK’s first football-based programme tackling discrimination and violence against women and girls. Supported by Cambridgeshire Police and Crime Commissioner, Cambridge Community Safety Partnership, and Cambridge City Council, the project works in schools to challenge the harmful culture around gender issues.

16 Days of Action 2025

During the 16 Day of Action DASV Partnership have a series of free online webinars which you can attend – book your place online.

• The Angels Foundation: The impact of furniture poverty – Wednesday 26 November, 2pm to 3pm
• Suzy Lamplugh Trust: Stand Up Against Harassment – Thursday 27 November, 12.30pm to 1pm
• Daphne Franks: Predatory Marriage – Friday 28 November, 1pm to 2pm
• Peterborough Independent Domestic Violence Advisor (IDVA) Service: Local support for Lithuanian victims of domestic abuse – Tuesday 2 December, 11am to 12pm
• Angie Stewart: Domestic abuse and women with high income levels – Friday 5 December, 11am to 12pm
• Young Person's IDVA: The role of the Young Person’s IDVA – Wednesday 10 December, 10am to 11am

The Stand Up Against Harassment webinar can be booked separately here.

What can you do?

Preventing violence against women and girls requires everyone to work together but it starts with men. There is a range of things you can do to help tackle negative attitudes and behaviours towards women:

• Think about your behaviour and those of your friends and colleagues. Where safe to, challenge unacceptable behaviour and positively influence other men and boys to become allies.
• Make the White Ribbon promise to never use, excuse or remain silent about men’s violence against women
• Become a White Ribbon Ambassador to make a positive difference in your workplace or community.

Tackling violence against women and girls in Cambridge

Cambridge City Council works with partners across Cambridgeshire to support those experiencing domestic abuse and sexual violence and help to prevent these crimes.

The council is part of the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence (DASV) Partnership, and the Cambridge Community Safety Partnership, and works closely with Cambridge Rape Crisis Centre.

Domestic abuse can affect anyone and isn’t just physical violence. There are support services available to help you. For help and advice, please look at the advice available or email: community.safety@cambridge.gov.uk.