The Royal Borough of Greenwich has re-launched its Women’s Safety Charter to coincide with White Ribbon Day and the 16 Days of Action.
White Ribbon Day falls on 25 November every year and is followed by 16 Days of Action, this is a global movement which calls for more action to prevent and end male violence against women and girls by breaking down barriers that rob women of their power.
The council has re-launched the Women’s Safety Charter, with Woolwich Service Users Project (WSUP) being the first organisation to sign up and receive their pledge this month.
The charter encourages local businesses, organisations and individuals to sign up to show their zero-tolerance approach to sexual harassment, and to send a clear message to anyone who lives, works, studies or visits the borough that the safety of all women and girls is a priority.
The charter consists of a pledge signed by local businesses and organisations, who agree to uphold a set of principles and display it on their premises:
- To promote a culture that does not tolerate or accept harmful language, behaviour and attitudes towards women and girls.
- To take any reports and disclosures of sexual harassment, violence or intimidation seriously and take appropriate action.
- To do everything they can to provide an environment for women and girls that is equal, inclusive and safe.
- To proudly support Royal Greenwich's movement towards being a safe place for all women and girls.
By signing up to the pledge businesses receive advice from council officers on sexual harassment, the opportunity to do Welfare and Vulnerability Engagement (WAVE) training, copies of the pledge to display in their business and posters to raise awareness of sexual harassment, coercive control and drink spiking and ongoing support from the council. There is also a version of the Women’s Safety Charter for individuals to sign.
Councillor Rachel Taggart-Ryan, Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Enforcement said: “Recent data shows that 94% of high-risk victims of domestic abuse in Greenwich are women, highlighting the crucial need for campaigns such as White Ribbon Day.
“The safety of all women and girls is our priority and we're taking bold steps, including the launch of our Women’s Safety Charter, to help women and girls feel safer in public spaces. After consulting with residents, we’re also planning the launch of our ‘Working Together to End Male Violence Against Women and Girls strategy’ which will outline what the council is doing to reduce male violence in the borough.
“We also have in place a gender-based boroughwide Public Space Protection Order (PSPO), meaning that anyone caught making "lewd, obscene or sexist comments or gestures towards a member of the public" will receive a £100 on-the-spot fine.”
Woolwich Service Users Project (WSUP) said: “At WSUP, we believe that safety, dignity, and respect are rights that every woman and girl deserves. No one should feel unsafe or unwelcome in our streets, spaces, or communities. By signing the Women’s Safety Charter, we’re reaffirming our commitment to equality, compassion, and accountability.
“This pledge is more than words - it’s a promise to act. We will continue to create environments where women are heard, believed, and supported, and where harmful behaviours are challenged. In our work, we see every day how safety and respect build confidence, connection, and trust. When women and girls feel safe, our whole community grows stronger.”
Find out more information on why you should sign up
White Ribbon Promise
The Royal Borough of Greenwich is a White Ribbon accredited organisation, meaning that we promise to never use, excuse or remain silent about men's violence against women.
The White Ribbon Promise is for organisations or individuals to sign – make the promise today.
If you need support
In an emergency, always call 999.
Greenwich Domestic Violence and Abuse Services
Get help if you are suffering from domestic abuse by calling the free helpline 020 8317 8273 (open Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm) or email info_gdva@h4w.co.uk
National Domestic Abuse Helpline
Call the free 24-hour National Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0808 2000 247.