White Ribbon Day: Empowering action and allyship

A self-defence workshop and Reclaim the Night march are among events open to University staff and students this month that call for an end to violence against women.

White Ribbon Day on 25 November is an annual date on which individuals and organisations take action to challenge cultures and behaviours that are harmful to women and girls.

This year’s theme is ‘It starts with men’, and asks men to stand with women and show allyship to help create a safer world.

White Ribbon Day events at the University

Staff are welcome to attend events being held at the Students’ Union this year. These are:

• White Ribbon Day Conference and self-defence classes (25 November 18:00-21:00) – Free sessions equipping women with practical personal safety skills, plus a panel discussion event. This event is a partnership between Reading Students’ Union and Soar With Us Self Defence, and supported by the Women@Reading staff network through this year’s University Diversity and Inclusion Fund.
• Inside Her Mind drama performance (Wednesday 20 November 19:00) – Staff are welcomed to attend this White Ribbon Day performance by Reading University Drama Society in Minghella Studio. Inside Her Mind is a powerful collection of stories that bring to light the harsh realities faced by women and girls every day.

Reclaim the Night march

Reclaim the Night is an annual campaign that sees people take to the streets to march against sexual harassment and gender-based violence.

This year’s Reclaim the Night march in Reading takes place on Friday 29 November from 17:00-19:00. Staff are welcome to meet in the Students’ Union from 16:00 for an informal discussion before getting the bus into town.

Staff are also welcome to attend a craft and sign-making session on Tuesday 26 November in the Students’ Union ahead of the march.