The importance of ending violence against women has been highlighted by the Depute Leader of East Lothian Council.
Norman Hampshire has joined other local authority leaders from around Scotland in supporting the White Ribbon Scotland Leaders Pledge. This coincides with 16 days of activism, which runs from 25 November to 10 December and exists to raise awareness of and campaign for a world without gender-based violence.
Councillor Hampshire said:
“Research from the Centre for Women’s Global Leadership estimates that 1 in 3 women worldwide have experienced violence in their lifetime. This is simply unacceptable.
“Although the majority of men do not commit violence against women, everyone has a role in ending it. By pledging never to commit, condone or remain silent about men’s violence against women in all its forms, we can start to make a huge difference.
“COSLA has taken part in the International 16 Days of Activism against Gender Based Violence Campaign during recent years. In this year of all years, with reported levels and intensity of gender based violence heightened across Scotland and the world as one of the outcomes of the effects of the pandemic, it is important to highlight the importance of tackling the scourge of violence against women and girls.”