The men of Congleton are being encouraged to speak up to end violence against women and girls.

Congleton Town Council's White Ribbon Group is gearing up for the annual '16 days of activism'.

It gets underway on White Ribbon Day, November 25, and ends on International Human Rights Day, December 10.

The White Ribbon movement seeks to encourage men specifically to challenge the attitudes and behaviours that lead to male violence against women.

Chair of the council's White Ribbon Working Group, councillor Richard Walton said: "The 2025 theme for White Ribbon Day, We Speak Up, encourages men to challenge harmful behaviours, whether it's calling out a sexist joke, stepping in when something's not right, or leading by example. These everyday actions, at work, at home and in the community, set the tone for lasting change.

"We have had a good year of engagement, including visiting high schools, pubs and businesses, and running a special event for parents of adolescent youngsters, which was very well-received.

"The latest figures show that there are more than 2,000 sexual assaults every day in England and Wales, on average. From this and our conversations with people in Congleton, it is clear that the work of the team is more important than ever."

Councillor Richard Walton, chair of the council's White Ribbon Working Group (Credit: CEC)

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 The White Ribbon Group will be in the town centre on a stall on Saturday, November 22, from 10am to 2pm to encourage shoppers to make their White Ribbon promise to 'never use, excuse or remain silent about men's violence against women or any gender-based violence'. 

They will be in town again on White Ribbon Day, November 25, to hand out leaflets and talk to residents and business owners.

The team will also be visiting town-centre pubs and bars on Friday, November 21, to chat about the White Ribbon movement and encourage publicans and drinkers to join in, distributing beermats and posters to promote the campaign.

White Ribbon Ambassador and Congleton Town Council Chief Officer, David McGifford, said: "At the Town Council we're speaking up to make sure that respect and equality aren't just ideas, but everyday realities. We are committed to ensuring our residents, colleagues and visitors feel safe and valued in Congleton.

"The White Ribbon Flag will fly from the Town Hall, you'll see posters and banners around the town, and ribbons will appear on the lampposts in the town centre to remind everyone that we are speaking up to end sexism, violence and abuse, on White Ribbon Day, and every day."

White Ribbon Ambassador Mike Wesley (back left) chats to building contractors, the Stradling Brothers, who were happy to make the White Ribbon Promise (Credit: CTC)

The White Ribbon Ambassadors and Champions have made a series of videos, each explaining different ways that the Town Council and White Ribbon Group are speaking up against sexism and harassment.

These will appear on social media throughout the 16 days.

There is also a 2025 version of the Congleton White Ribbon Film made by Prickly Peach Films, featuring Ambassadors, Police and Fire Officers, the PCC Dan Price, local MP Sarah Russell, business owners and sixth form students, explaining the problem White Ribbon aims to address, and why everyone should speak up to end violence.

Lynne Elliot, CEO of White Ribbon UK, said: "This White Ribbon Day isn't just about raising awareness - it's about taking action.

"We know that there are already lots of men speaking up and showing that there's no place for sexism in our workplaces, streets, or communities.

"We want even more men to join in. It starts with small actions, and it starts with speaking up."