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Provost backs call to end violence against women
North Ayrshire Provost Anthea Dickson is continuing her ongoing support for a global campaign that works to end violence against women and girls.
The 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence is a global campaign led annually by UN Women – a United Nations organisation dedicated to gender equality and the empowerment of women.
It runs from 25 November, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, (also known as White Ribbon Day) to Human Rights Day on 10 December.
During this year’s campaign, everyone is being asked to “Imagine a Scotland without violence against women and girls”.
Quote: I am proud to carry on my long-standing support of this campaign. Women and girls should not live their lives in fear of violence, or live in a world where they need to constantly look over their shoulder. We should all have the confidence to walk the streets of our neighbourhoods and communities in safety. And it is crucial that women and girls know services and support are available – should they need them - and how they can access these services.
Quote from: Councillor Anthea Dickson, North Ayrshire Provost
Violence comes in many shapes and forms, including coercive behaviour and demeaning language.
Provost Dickson added: “Bringing an end to violence against women is everybody’s responsibility.”
The North Ayrshire Violence Against Women Partnership brings together partners that have a role in tackling gender-based violence and supporting those who are affected.
It includes the Council and representatives from partner organisations such as North Ayrshire Women's Aid, Police Scotland and the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service.
The aims of the Partnership are to:
- Raise awareness of issues around violence against women and girls
- Empower communities to challenge abusive and violent behaviour
- Provide information on the available support services available and
- Encourage support of the key VAWP campaign – White Ribbon 16 Days of Action.
Councillor Alan Hill, Cabinet Member for Communities, Islands and Housing, is supporting the 16 Days of Action.
He said: “Violence – and the threat of violence – are prevalent and I would encourage as many people as possible to back the 16 Days campaign.”
The Partnership is supporting the Reclaim the Night movement by hosting a Reclaim the Night walk on Tuesday 2 December - and everyone is welcome to take part.
The aim is to raise awareness about the dangers to women and girls from sexual violence and to promote a safer environment for everyone to walk in without fear when it is dark.
If you would like to join the walk, meet at the Portal leisure centre, 66 High Street, Irvine at 5pm. Walkers will be offered glow sticks and LED candles to light the way and will get moving at 5.15pm to make their way to Fullarton ConneXions in Church Street. There will be soup, sandwiches, tea and coffee on arrival.
Published: 27 November 2025