Planting hope against harm

Women who have died due to gender-based violence are being commemorated with an avenue of flowers in Newcastle.

Newcastle City Council has created a symbolic floral tribute in the Civic Centre quadrangle.

The initiative, launched to coincide with White Ribbon Day on November 25, saw 1500 bulbs planted by councillor Lesley Storey alongside domestic abuse and women’s support organisations.

The council has been accredited by White Ribbon UK since 2021 as part of its commitment to preventing male violence against women and girls. 

The global campaign encourages men and boys to pledge never to commit, excuse or remain silent about abuse and to challenge behaviour that contributes to a culture of harm.

This year’s White Ribbon Day theme, “We Speak Up”, calls on the public to intervene when they witness sexism in everyday life, from inappropriate comments to catcalling. 

The council recognises the many men and boys already taking a stand and hopes even more will join efforts to address gender-based violence.

Councillor Storey, Newcastle City Council’s cabinet member for children and families, said: “There are too many women in this country whose lives have been stolen from them because of violence.

“Two to three women are killed every day in this country – and behind that statistic there are daughters, sisters, mothers and friends, all with names, faces, families, and futures, now lost.

“I want us to remember them, their hopes and their dreams.”

Councillor Storey added: “For too long, far too many people have seen gender-based violence as something that happens somewhere else, but we know that it can happen anywhere.

“One in three women in the UK experiences domestic abuse, over 80 per cent of women have been harassed in public and more than 20 per cent of women over 16 have experienced some type of sexual assault. 

“Other people make excuses for male violence against women and girls and when a man turns to violence it is seen as a ‘women’s issue’.

“Women and girls are being told that it’s their fault they are abused and if they just behaved differently men and boys wouldn’t be driven to violence.

“That is not true. There is never an excuse for violence against women and girls.

“We know that many men would never do it and want men and boys to feel comfortable being themselves and not be pressured to adopt narrow definitions of masculinity.

“But together we must all speak up and play our part in ending this stain on our society.”

Snowdrops have been planted along the steps by the Civic Centre’s water feature, forming an avenue intended to symbolise the passage from life to death. 

The flowers are expected to bloom each spring as a recurring reminder of the city’s commitment to ending violence against women and girls.

For more information about White Ribbon in Newcastle, including how you can make the White Ribbon pledge, see www.newcastle.gov.uk/white-ribbon

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