Illuminating the East Riding purple for International Women’s Day 2024

East Riding of Yorkshire Council is encouraging people and organisations across the area to illuminate the East Riding purple on International Women’s Day (Friday, 8 March).

It is hoped that venues will be lit up by purple lights, and that residents will show purple lights in their windows, or even wear purple.

Landmarks and venues already signed up to be illuminated in purple include Market Square, Beverley; Flemingate, Beverley; Sewerby Hall and Gardens; Bridlington Spa; and East Riding Leisure Bridlington .

Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) has detrimental effects on individuals and whole communities. It can result in the destruction of homes and futures, and the loss of lives. The aim of illuminating the East Riding is to raise awareness of VAWG, the council’s recent White Ribbon Accreditation, and to engage allies across the East Riding.

Councillor Anne Handley, leader of East Riding of Yorkshire Council, said : “Across the East Riding, International Women’s Day will be an opportunity to raise awareness of Violence Against Women and Girls, and to create conversations and engage allies to come together to stand up against it.

“We are encouraging key landmarks and venues in the East Riding to join us in raising awareness of gender-based violence by shining purple lights on their venues from 6pm to 8pm on 8 March. Purple signifies justice and dignity and being loyal to the cause.”

Councillor Leo Hammond, the council’s Cabinet member for planning, communities and public protection, added : “Violence against women and girls is an abhorrent crime, and one we are working hard to end in our region. This initiative will help raise awareness of this important issue and I hope encourage more men and women to take appropriate action to end this crime and support victims.” 

Assistant Chief Constable of Humberside Police, Lisa Hogan, said: “Violence and abuse, in any form, will not be tolerated and we stand with the Humber Violence Prevention Partnership not just on International Women’s Day, but every day.  

“Our work on violence against women and girls aims to tackle gender inequality within broad crime types and seeks to ensure that public safety and confidence within the community is maintained – where women and girls feel safe in all situations, including the night-time economy. 

“We will always encourage people to speak out when they are ready, and for those who suspect abuse and harassment is taking place, we urge you to be an active bystander, and report any suspicions or concerns. Together we need to say no to violence, abuse, and harassment against women and girls.

“This is our utmost priority, and we must all work to take shared responsibility in addressing and calling out violence, abuse, and harassment.

“We need women and girls to feel safe and listened to in coming forward, and our specialist trained officers work closely with partnering agencies across the region to support victims, as well as prevent and bring to justice perpetrators of domestic violence and abuse.”

Jonathan Evison, Humberside Police and Crime Commissioner, said: “I am pleased to support East Riding of Yorkshire Council to raise awareness of abuse against women and girls, which I have made a priority as part of my Police and Crime Plan.

“The work of my office has highlighted the shocking truth that most women have experienced, at some point in their lives, abuse, violence, sexual harassment or misogyny. We must work to break this cycle, which has been embedded in our society for generations. It requires a cultural change and needs men to play their part to become White Ribbon Ambassadors and stand up to condemn abuse against women and call out those who commit abuse.”

East Riding of Yorkshire Council has recently become White Ribbon Accredited, meaning that the council recognises the severity of VAWG, and is committed to ending it by raising its profile and encouraging men and boys to be part of the solution. The council is dedicated to creating a safer East Riding for women and girls.

If you are, or anyone you know is, affected by violence or domestic abuse, you can:

• find organisations that can help on the White Ribbon website
• read more about domestic violence on ERYC corporate website

The council also acknowledges that men and boys can be victims of the same types of violence, and offers support for male victims. 

To find out more about illuminating a venue, or to sign up a venue to shining purple lights on 8 March, contact : Yvette.mccormick@eastriding.gov.uk