From conversations in classrooms and workplaces to a white ribbon sculpture at Sheffield Station, communities across the city are working together to prevent violence against women and girls.
This year’s White Ribbon Day event is coming to Sheffield, bringing the national conversation about preventing violence against women and girls to the city.
Taking place on Wednesday 25th November, the event has been organised by White Ribbon UK. It will hear from Sheffield-based organisation Men Up North, which promotes positive ideas of masculinity, in addition to the Leader of Sheffield City Council, Councillor Fran Belbin, and Deputy Mayor of South Yorkshire Combined Authority, Kilvinder Vigurs.
This year’s White Ribbon Day theme, It Takes All of Us, highlights the importance of challenging sexist attitudes, including comments and behaviours too often dismissed as ‘banter’ or ‘just a joke’. The campaign, which will bring together organisations and decision-makers from different sectors across England and Wales, is asking people to speak up and challenge these attitudes, as it looks towards building a culture where violence against women and girls is never tolerated.
Speaking about the White Ribbon Day activities taking place in Sheffield, White Ribbon UK’s CEO, Lynne Elliot, said:
“We’re really excited to be bringing our White Ribbon Day event to Sheffield Hallam University. It’s inspiring to see the brilliant work taking place across the city, from schools and workplaces to grassroots community initiatives, and the dedication of so many individuals.
“Preventing violence against women and girls takes all of us, and it’s encouraging to see people and organisations coming together to challenge harmful attitudes and help create a world where everyone is safe, equal and respected.”
Sheffield City Council has been a White Ribbon Accredited organisation since 2022, demonstrating its continued commitment to preventing violence against women and girls
Following the 2023 Violence Against Women and Girls in Schools Conference, schools across the city have received training, resources and practical support to promote equality, consent, respect and healthy relationships. This includes Safe and Together sessions, safeguarding training and a citywide White Ribbon education network.
Councillor Fran Belbin, Leader of Sheffield City Council, said: “After four years of White Ribbon accreditation, we’re delighted to welcome White Ribbon Day to Sheffield. We support Independent Domestic Abuse Services (IDAS), Sheffield Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre, Sheffield Women’s Aid, Haven and Cranstoun Inspire to Change, while strengthening our services through Safe and Together and Domestic Abuse Housing Alliance accreditation.
“We have supported 17 education settings on their White Ribbon journey to date and continue to expand our network, helping schools tackle misogyny and promote healthy relationships by engaging boys and young men as positive role models. Our ambition is a Sheffield where every woman and girl lives free from violence, abuse and harassment. We thank men already challenging harmful behaviour and urge others to commit.”
White Ribbon Day 2026 Sponsor, East Midlands Railway (EMR), another White Ribbon Accredited organisation, is leading a community project featuring a white ribbon sculpture, which will be on public display at Sheffield Railway Station from Thursday 19th November. The artwork was developed in collaboration with EMR’s Community Rail Team, Engineered Learning, Constructing Futures, EMR colleagues and local community groups.
Philippa Cresswell, Customer Experience Director for EMR, said: “This artwork captures the strength of collaboration and the importance of bringing different perspectives together. It is fantastic to see the creativity and ideas of our colleagues and community partners reflected in something that will be seen by so many people travelling through Sheffield.
“Since receiving our White Ribbon accreditation in 2025, we have been committed to using our reach across the railway to raise awareness and encourage positive change. This installation is a lasting reminder of that commitment, and of this year’s message that it takes all of us to challenge harmful attitudes and help create safer communities.”
White Ribbon Day (Wednesday 25th November) marks the start of the annual 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence and is a call for everyone to play their part in creating a future free from violence against women and girls.
To find out more about White Ribbon Day and this year’s theme, It Takes All of Us, visit: https://www.whiteribbon.org.uk/wrd2026