What is White Ribbon Day?
White Ribbon Day, 25th November, is annually recognised as the day men show their year-long commitment to ending violence against women and girls. The day inspires individuals and organisations to take positive action to challenge harmful cultures and behaviours that lead to violence against women and girls.
Every year, White Ribbon UK works around a theme to raise awareness about men’s violence against women and girls and the need for men to be part of the solution as active allies.
White Ribbon Day 2025: We Speak Up
We Speak Up for change
Letting sexism slide puts women and girls at risk. Sexist jokes, catcalling, staring, and comments might seem harmless, but they are serious because they can lead to violence and abuse.
White Ribbon Day 2025 is encouraging you to speak up and create a world where women and girls are safe, equal, and respected.
Click here to find out more about White Ribbon Day 2025 and to get involved in the campaign.
Why is White Ribbon Day important?
- 1 in 4 women will be a victim to sexual assault or attempted assault in their lifetimes
(National Audit Office, 2025) - 39% of secondary school teachers said they are aware of at least one incident of misogynistic behaviour from a pupil in the last week.
(BBC, 2025) - 3 in 5 women have experienced sexual harassment, bullying or verbal abuse in the workplace. 3 in 5 have experienced 3 or more incidents of bullying at work.
(Trades Union Congress, 2023)
Lots of people see crimes like sexual assault or harassment as extreme and isolated incidents that have nothing to do with their daily lives.
The truth is that even the smallest of every day actions count to make a difference to stop them from happening. By simply not passing off sexist ‘jokes’, catcalling or staring, you can help stop behaviour that can lead to serious violence. Every time we ignore something that doesn’t feel right, we miss a chance to set a better example.
Active Bystander Training
In the UK, 71% of women have experienced sexual harassment in a public space. It doesn’t have to be this way. When we see or hear sexual harassment and do nothing, we empower the harasser.
The same goes for sexism, misogyny and unwanted comments that degrade women and girls – which are often disguised as ‘banter’ When we let these things pass, we create a culture in which others feel able to take it further. If you noticed something that wasn’t okay, would you know what to do?
Active Bystander training gives you the skills and confidence to have conversations with your friends and colleagues on these issues.
It also gives you a range of tools to safely respond to potentially harmful situations such as sexual harassment in public places. That could be diffusing it, offering help to the victim or calling on others to help you out. It doesn’t have to be confrontational – a few calm words can make the difference. When we intervene skilfully, we encourage others to do so too, sparking positive culture change.
Click here to find out more about Active Bystander training with Northumbria Police & Crime Commissioner running in 2026.
