We are proud to announce that we have been successful in achieving White Ribbon Accreditation.
White Ribbon is the UK’s leading charity engaging men and boys to end violence against women and girls by addressing the root causes of men’s violence against women. These include harmful attitudes and behaviours as well as systems around rigid gender norms and harmful expressions of masculinity that perpetuate gender inequality and gender-based violence.
Of course, not many men are violent, but all men can have a role to play in preventing and, ultimately, ending violence against women and girls. By working together, we aim to encourage men to learn about gender norms and traits, how these impact on women and what difference men can make by being White Ribbon allies.
Our pledge to White Ribbon supports the Service’s commitment to promoting equality, safety, and respect within the community and reflects our ongoing action plan to work with our partners to eliminate violence against women and girls.
Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service (MFRS) is fortunate to employ inspirational male role models who stand by the Service values of courage, integrity and compassion. Many of the men in our Service work alongside and actively support our female employees and we would encourage them all to sign up as White Ribbon Ambassadors. Our male workforce who has already signed up to become Ambassadors have demonstrated their willingness to engage with other men and boys to inform about and call out abusive and sexist behaviour among their friends, colleagues and communities. They embody positive masculine traits to promote a culture of equality and respect.
Our female employees who have signed up to become White Ribbon Champions support the Service in helping to engage with men and work within communities to promote the White Ribbon values. In addition, women who are Champions are seen as an essential part of White Ribbon, ensuring that the voices of women, especially survivors of violence and abuse, are heard.
As a Service we are taking a collaborative approach to ending men’s violence against women by strengthening systems and policies, engaging with men and boys, changing cultures and raising awareness.
In addition, MFRS operates Safe Havens in each of our stations and all fire service premises. Our Safe Havens are designed for anyone in immediate danger, including women and girls being abused or threatened. Whilst Safe Havens operate independently of the White Ribbon accreditation, the Service is committed to supporting victims of violence and domestic abuse across Merseyside.
Click below to read our six month Communications Plan:
