NFCC Supports White Ribbon Day

The National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) is supporting White Ribbon Day today (25 November 2024), a global campaign dedicated to ending men’s violence against women and girls. White Ribbon Day also marks the start of the United Nations’ 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence.

This year, the theme of White Ribbon Day is “It Starts with Men”, which focuses on the harmful masculine norms in which violence against women and girls is rooted. The campaign calls on men to hold themselves accountable to women, and to each other, in a bid to tackle harmful cultures.

As a White Ribbon Supporter Organisation, NFCC is committed to seven actions to prevent violence against women and girls. These include raising awareness about ending violence against women; inspiring people to be changemakers; and ensuring people know where they can get help and support.

National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) Chair, Mark Hardingham, said:

“It is a privilege to be a White Ribbon Supporter Organisation, and we are keen to play our role in tackling men’s violence against women. We also recognise the critical role men and boys have in challenging harmful behaviours and attitudes that perpetuate violence and inequality.

“At NFCC we have White Ribbon Ambassadors and Champions, joining a community of changemakers at White Ribbon UK who are committed to educating and empowering people to stand up to these atrocious acts and the harmful norms that sit beneath them.

“Today marks an opportunity to get the message out that any acts of male violence towards women will not be tolerated, and we know that’s a message fire and rescue services across the country will stand behind.”

Anthea Sully, Chief Executive of White Ribbon UK and Chair of NFCC’s Independent Challenge and Support Panel for Culture and Inclusion, said:

“As Chief Executive of White Ribbon UK, it has been good to welcome the NFCC as one of our White Ribbon Supporter Organisations. White Ribbon is the global movement campaigning to end men’s violence against women and girls. We work with many diverse organisations including fire and rescue services. Everyone will be aware that there have been significant issues of sexist and misogynist culture that have been exposed in fire services. I passionately believe that we can change this – 63% of men agree that men in society aren’t doing enough to ensure the safety of women and girls.

“The theme of White Ribbon Day this year is ‘It Starts with Men.’ Starting with men, we must address the attitudes and behaviours that contribute to a fear of violence for women in their day-to-day lives. We’re encouraging men to hold themselves accountable to women and to each other, so we can affect positive behaviour change to transform harmful cultures. Gender equality is key to making this culture change happen. Gender equality is achievable if men and boys understand and assume their responsibility as allies.

“Leaders who are committed to supporting change, who demonstrate positive values, are vital to ending violence against women and girls. It is why chairing the NFCC Independent Challenge and Support Panel over the last year has been so important to me.

“Together we can prevent violence against women and girls. It Starts with Men.”

ENDS

Notes to editors

• White Ribbon Day takes place on Monday 25 November, and more information about the campaign can be found on the White Ribbon website, here: White Ribbon Day 2024 — White Ribbon UK
• The National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) is an independent membership association and the professional voice of the UK Fire and Rescue Service. NFCC support fire and rescue services to continually improve, helping them to save lives and keep their local communities safe. NFCC are a charity and a membership association supporting and representing the UK Fire and Rescue Service. Founded in 1941, NFCC was established as a company and charity in 1998 as The Chief Fire Officers’ Association, transforming into the NFCC in 2017.