The Isle of Wight Council has renewed its pledge to tackle bias and discrimination this International Women’s Day (Tuesday 8th March).
International Women’s Day is a global event celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. This year’s theme calls on all people to #BreakTheBias – no matter how they identify – to call out bias, break inequality, smash stereotypes and reject discrimination.
The council is also using International Women’s Day as a chance to speak out about harassment and violence faced by women and girls. 80% of reported sexual offences on the Island have a female victim, with a high percentage committed against women under 24 years old.
Council Leader, Lora Peacey-Wilcox, has said:
“Our re-affirmed commitment aims to work towards an Island that is gender equal, free of bias, stereotypes and discrimination and to call it out when we see it happening.
“However, it is a sad fact that that women often face deliberate or unconscious bias and discrimination. Whether deliberate or unconscious, this can hold women back from achieving their full potential.
“Along with my colleagues, I continue to pledge to call it out when I see this type of behaviour, and I call on the whole Island community to #BreakTheBias and do the same.”
Supported by funding from the Home Office and the Police Crime Commissioner, the Isle of Wight Council is rolling out several schemes – alongside Portsmouth City Council – to raise awareness of violence against women and girls in the community, show how we can all help address damaging attitudes and behaviours, and support people who have experienced harassment and sexual violence.
Cabinet lead for community safety, Councillor Ian Stephens, said:
“It is a sad fact that most women will have experienced some form of harassment or abuse in public places.
“There is Island help and support available- you’re not alone. We can all play our part in changing behaviour by calling this out whenever we see it to help #BreakTheBias.”
If you have experienced harassment, sexual violence or abuse, help and support is available locally:
- Isle of Wight Independent Sexual Violence Adviser (ISVA) 07930 932249
- The Island’s domestic abuse support service Paragon 0800 234 6266
- Treetops Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) 023 9221 0352
- Southampton Rape Crisis: 023 8063 6313
- Hampshire Constabulary: 101 or 999 in an emergency
- Broken Rainbow (LGBT): 0300 999 5428
International women’s Day…..
What ever next ?
If I was a woman, I would be a lesbian.
Well, wait until I tell my misses, it will make her day !
Once, I didn’t talk to my wife for two years, as I did not want to interrupt her.
Crap jokes day is next week, you’re early!
where is Lora’s conviction to stamp out violence by women on men and boys. where is her conviction to remove the bias of the courts towards the woman as the primary carer of children and financial settlements.
misandry exists and somehow is ignored.
come on Lora, what about male victims
what about bias that holds men back in the workplace because of box ticking gender targets
equality is for all, not just a rebalance in favour of one group or another
Damaging attitudes like all abusers are male and all victims female?
Or all men are violent thugs ho do not need or deserve protection – if they are attacked it is because they picked a fight.
Or if men are victims of abuse it’s their own fault for allowing themselves to be henpecked?
Attitudes like this put men off from seeking what little support is available to them because they know they are unlikely to be taken seriously if they do and stand a good chance of being framed as the abuser.
Please can we consign these outdated and offensive gender stereotypes to the bin of history – ALL victims need support, regardless of gender.
Yep, good shout,
From my own life experience’s in general,
I find woman more dangerous and devious and conniving then any bloke, always hide behind there gender when confronted. (If you’re brave enough).