West Yorkshire's Deputy Mayor For Policing and Crime’s Post

November 25th marks the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, a global call to action to end violence against women. At FOMAS Group, we're committed to supporting this critical cause.  So today, we promoted Red Shoes Day across the Group to raise awareness about this issue and spark meaningful conversations. But what's behind the symbolism of red shoes? The powerful symbol of red shoes originated from Mexican artist Elina Chauvet's thought-provoking installation "Zapatos Rojos" in 2009. Hundreds of red shoes were arranged in a square, representing women who lost their lives to feminicide and violence. The red color represents the blood and pain of the victims, while the shoes symbolize the women whose lives were tragically cut short. We therefore honor the memory of these women by reaffirming our commitment to fostering a culture of nonviolence - both in and out of the workplace, today, as well as every other day. Every individual deserves to live without fear of violence or harassment. Let's work together to create a safer, more respectful world for all: everyone is involved, not just women. Discover more here: https://lnkd.in/gYka5g2z and here https://lnkd.in/ey-qjUe #fomasgroup #RedShoesDay #InternationalDayForTheEliminationOfViolenceAgainstWomen 

May 5th marks Red Dress Day, a day to remember and honour missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls, and Two-Spirit people. The day originated from Métis artist Jaime Black who, in 2010 initiated the REDress Project: a visual art instillation where red dresses were hung in public spaces throughout North America to symbolize the thousands of Indigenous women, girls and Two-Spirit folks who are no longer with us. The statistics are shocking: Indigenous women and girls are 12 times more likely to be murdered or missing than other women in Canada.* They are sexually assaulted three times more often than non-Indigenous women, and most of the women and children trafficked in Canada are Indigenous.** There is so much that needs to be done across Canada to help protect Indigenous women, girls and Two-Spirit people, including implementing a nation-wide Red Dress Alert. Today, we encourage you to show your support by wearing red, hanging a red dress in your window and/or attending a march or demonstration in your community (scroll through to view upcoming events). #MMIWG2S #NoMoreStolenSisters #RedDressDay *Reclaiming Power and Place: The Final Report of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls ** National Action Plan to Combat Human Trafficking, Public Safety Canada 

Women do not need a day or a month. We do not need celebrations or platitudes. We need to be in charge. We need equal pay, better funding, more equal business opportunities, and sheer respect. We need a safer world where we can walk or run outside and not worry constantly about being ogled, objectified, assaulted, or murdered. We need a less stupid society where our bodies are not the public property and we can wear clothing without it being assumed as a sexual invitation. We need an equal, more inclusive workplace that doesn’t penalize us for having children or judge us for not having them. We need real policies and a society that doesn’t take away our right to choose what we do with our own bodies or that punishes us when we make those choices. Image of me (with red hair) at the Women’s March in 2017. #internationalwomensday #womensupportingwomen #womeninbusiness #femalefounders

As we enter day 3 of the #16Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, I can’t help but reflect on the horrifying plight faced by countless women around the world. Imagine needing water—a basic human necessity—only to be met with harassment, mistreatment, and even sextortion. Yes, this is a reality for far too many. Women should not have to choose between accessing clean water and protecting their dignity. Yet, every day, they are forced to navigate a treacherous landscape where their safety is compromised. This is not just a minor inconvenience; it’s a violation of their rights and a direct assault on their humanity. We must confront this insidious issue head-on. The continued inaction in addressing sextortion, particularly when it comes to something as vital as water, is inexcusable. This is not just a women's issue; it’s a human rights issue that affects entire communities and future generations. As we raise our voices for the 16 Days campaign, let’s commit to demanding change. Let’s ensure that accessing basic needs like water does not come at the cost of safety or dignity. Together, we can end the cycle of violence and start a new chapter where everyone can thrive without fear. I join the rest of the World in standing against sextortion and advocating for a world where women can access their rights freely and without intimidation. We need to be the change we wish to see. #EndSextortion #WomenEmpowerment #HumanRights

I stand in support of the ongoing campaigns to fight against femicide and gender-based violence, as it is not only a matter of protecting women but of challenging systems of inequality that have been ingrained for generations. It is not a competition of who is more deserving, but rather a simple request to respect human rights, in this case women’s rights. Femicide is brutal, illegal, and morally wrong—there is no question about that. The impact it causes ripples through families and communities, leaving lasting scars that affect society as a whole. The 16 Days of Activism should remind us of the devastating impact of gender-based violence and the need to challenge the systems that allow it to persist. As women in the security industry, we should take the initiative and responsibility to craft solutions and ensure that safe spaces for reporting and recovery are accessible to all. #16days of Activism Against Gender Based Violence.

Saoirse Ronan and Ilona Maher sparked a powerful social media conversation advocating for women's safety. I'm a staunch supporter of women and women's rights but it isn't enough to be a 'Girls girl'. In order to enact sustainable change we need more men to become involved. Genltemen, here are four actionable steps you can take everyday to help create a safer space for the women in your lives. This is how you change the definition of what it means to be a 'Ladies man': 1. Speak out against harassment and violence directed at women and girls. 2. Set a new standard within your circle of male friends and demonstrate how to treat women and girls with dignity and respect. 3. Advocate for public policies that prioritize women and girl's safety. 4. Build social connections with the girls and women in your lives through holding open dialogue on the subject of safety, being open to learning, and finding common ground. #PSA #Awareness #Womensrights #Publicsafety #Mensupportingwomen

Today, May 5th, let's pause to reflect on the significance of Red Dress Day, a solemn occasion to honour and remember Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirit people (MMIWG2S). This day serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing crisis of gender-based violence disproportionately affecting Indigenous people across Canada. Due to various systems of oppression, Indigenous women are tragically overrepresented among victims of sexual violence. We know that Indigenous women are three times more likely to experience sexual assault compared to non-Indigenous women. This statistic is not just a number; it represents the lived experiences of countless individuals whose voices have been silenced by systemic harm. Red Dress Day is a call to solidarity, urging us to stand together in support of Indigenous communities and advocate for justice, accountability, and systemic change. As we share messages of remembrance and solidarity, let's also amplify the voices of Indigenous activists and organizations working tirelessly to address the root causes of violence and discrimination. Today, Healing of the Seven Generations hosts a remembrance walk at 10 a.m. at 300 Frederick Street, followed by a 6 p.m. vigil at the Victoria Park Clock Tower. Together, we can strive for a future where every Indigenous woman, girl, and Two-Spirit individual can live free from violence. #RedDressDay #MMIWG2S #EndViolence

Family is the first place to provide a safe place for women to grow. Violence against women can take many forms other than sexual and physical, emotional abuse, economic violence, and social violence. Usually violence start with one of the aforementioned forms before it ends with the physical violence that kills the women. Awareness on early signs on violence, well-trained police forces to deal with gender-based violence, established reporting mechanisms, specialized institutions to provide aid for women who don't have safe homes is a necessity not a luxury. Laws and policies should be responsive to secure safer environment for women. This can be done on so many levels. Ranging from raising awareness to young girls in schools how to report violence, to robust reporting mechanisms, and effective procedures to hold perpetrators accountable, all are linked and inseparable. We will discuss each in more detailed posts, with more data and information on the situation in Palestine, with focus on women's access to justice, and women in conflict with the law who are in trial or locked up in detention centers.

It's a heartbreaking and unacceptable reality that for far too many women and girls, their own homes and families are not the safe havens they should be. The statistics are truly staggering and disturbing. We need to prioritize women's empowerment and protection as an urgent priority for all nations. Addressing the scourge of gender-based violence, changing deeply-rooted patriarchal attitudes, and prioritizing women's empowerment and protection must be an urgent priority. No more women's lives should be cut short simply for being female. Homes must become the true safe havens they are meant to be for everyone. Families and homes should represent safety, love and security, especially for women and children who are so often made vulnerable by gender inequalities and power imbalances. But the reality is still an unacceptable distance from this ideal for millions globally.

Luke and I are proud to be ambassadors for the Stop it at the Start campaign.   Growing up, our father wasn’t someone who we could look up to and that’s something we’re determined to change for future generations. As adults, we all play an important role to shape the next generations, and it starts with how we treat each other. Stop it at the Start aims to break the cycle of violence against women by encouraging young adults to reflect on their behaviours and attitudes.   We’re all responsible to set better examples to those who come after us. You can learn the hidden trends of disrespect before they lead into violence at https://www.respect.gov.au Violence against women.    We’re all in this together, let’s Stop it at the Start.   #StopItAtTheStart #HiddenTrendsofDisrespect #DomesticViolence #EndingViolenceAgainstWomen #YiayiaNextDoor #LoveThyNeighbour