November 25th 2024 marked the beginning of 16 Days of Action for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and Girls, also known as White Ribbon Day, and our UNISON Cymru Women’s Committee chair, Liz Mitchell submitted this report.
Women’s Committee members at the Senedd (Liz is front row, second from left)
The Women’s Committee were invited to a cross-party stakeholder event at the Senedd by Joyce Watson MS, and had the opportunity to sign the pledge “Not in My Name.”
Claire Sullivan adds her name to the Pledge
This was established in 2012 with the aim to end violence against women and girls by raising awareness and recruiting male ambassadors to make the White Ribbon promise. UNISON’s Cymru White Ribbon Ambassador John Byrne offered his full support.
Assistant convenor, John Byrne, with Liz Mitchell
A panel discussion took place with Joyce Watson MS, Jane Hutt MS – Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice, Jill Rundle – Chair of NFWI Wales, Samsunear Ali – Chief Executive Officer BAWSO and UNISON regional organiser Tanya Bull.
Regional organiser Tanya Bull
The Committee were also honoured to attend an evening vigil to honour those lives lost and hear the lived experiences of survivors.
Liz said,
“It was an honour to be part of such an event with the Women’s Committee, which is something we intend to be fully involved in every year”.