A group of eight male students from secondary schools across Derby have joined Derby’s Youth Mayor to create a campaign for White Ribbon Day 2023.
White Ribbon Day is an international day of awareness on 25 November, where men and boys show their commitment to ending violence against women and girls. This year’s theme is ‘Change the Story’.
The campaign, which has received great support, includes an awareness video produced by young people along with the Derby Theatre, and encourages students to #ChangeTheStory.
The video explains why White Ribbon Day is important, what the purpose of the White Ribbon campaign is, along with how men and boys across Derby can show their support.
Joe Wildsmith from Derby County Football Club, Wayne Madsen from Derbyshire County Cricket Club and local music artist Scriptz feature in the video.
Speaking in the video, Wayne Madsen said: “We are asking all boys and men to support this campaign and to help change behaviours.’’
This statement is echoed by Joe Wildsmith who said: “White Ribbon represents action to prevent violence against women and girls by addressing its root cause.’’
The campaign is led by Community Action Derby, the Derby Youth Alliance and the Voices in Action (ViA) Youth Council at Derby City Council.
Speaking about this year’s campaign, Derby’s Youth Mayor, Munti (Muhammad Muntasir) said: “The White Ribbon Campaign relates greatly towards my aim of community safety. Feedback raised by young people during my presentations at secondary schools shows that cases of violence amongst young people (especially young women) are still prevalent and require our urgent attention.’’
“I see the White Ribbon Campaign as a valuable step in the right direction, not just educating our young people on appropriate behaviour and language towards women but putting what they have learned into action – for everyone’s benefit.”
To mark White Ribbon Day, students from several Derby secondary schools are participating in activities to raise awareness for the cause during the week beginning 20 November 2023.
These activities include the White Ribbon campaign video being shown to all year groups during form time or in school assemblies.
The White Ribbon presentation will also be shown to all year groups in either form time or school assemblies.
Male students and staff will wear white ribbons and fundraise for women’s charities.
Students will also be able to get creative by designing giant white ribbons for a city-wide competition.
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