Bradford Launches Comprehensive Plan to Enhance Safety for Women and Girls

Bradford Council, in collaboration with the police and partner organisations, has unveiled a new plan aimed at improving the safety of women and girls across the district.

The Safety of Women and Girls (SOWG) Plan was introduced during a special event held on Thursday, 8 August, at the University of Bradford’s Norcroft Auditorium. The launch was spearheaded by West Yorkshire Mayor Tracy Brabin, with notable contributions from Bradford-born TV presenter Anita Rani and the university’s Pro Vice-Chancellor for Inclusion and Diversity, Professor Udy Archibong.

The SOWG Plan, developed by the district’s Community Safety Partnership, Safer Bradford, under the leadership of Assia Hussain, Bradford Council’s Lead Officer on the Safety of Women and Girls, aims to address concerns raised by local residents through comprehensive consultation. The initiative also involves the Bradford District Wellbeing Board, the University of Bradford, and various other key partners.

The plan focuses on four central themes, each designed to tackle different aspects of the issue, with monitoring mechanisms in place to assess progress. These themes include:

1. Engaging Men and Boys: The plan seeks to involve men and boys in discussions and activities that challenge negative attitudes towards women and girls.
2. Community Engagement: Efforts will be made to change societal attitudes on violence against women and girls, with an emphasis on promoting active bystander support.
3. Education Programmes: Comprehensive educational initiatives will be introduced to challenge sexism and misogyny among children and young people.
4. Accountability for Perpetrators: Strategies will be developed and implemented to ensure perpetrators are held accountable for their actions.

As part of the plan, targeted campaigns and training sessions will be organised, including the production of short films by Young Change Ambassadors, the Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence (DASV) team, and Safeguarding Teams. These films are intended to spark discussions around the need for behavioural change.

Additionally, the plan includes collaboration with Bradford City Football Club to raise awareness of domestic abuse and sexual violence. Schools and educational institutions will be encouraged to adopt the SOWG Toolkit and POL-ED police training resources to challenge misogyny and harmful attitudes.

The plan also supports existing initiatives like the Jog On campaign, which focuses on raising awareness and encouraging the reporting of harassment against female runners and joggers, while providing access to support services.

Councillor Kamran Hussain, Bradford Council’s Portfolio Holder for Neighbourhoods and Community Safety, highlighted the pressing need for such a plan, stating:

“Sadly, the safety of women and girls is a frequent topic in local and national news, whether it’s violent crime, abuse or harassment. Misogyny and unhealthy attitudes need to be stamped out through education, awareness raising and decisive action. This plan seeks to build on the work already being done in our district to tackle this issue and to enable our partners, wives, mothers, daughters and every woman and girl to live without fear and to feel safe to go about their lives.”

West Yorkshire Mayor Tracy Brabin also expressed her support, emphasising the regional importance of tackling violence against women and girls:

“Tackling violence against women and girls is one of our top priorities for the region. There is already so much great work happening in Bradford, such as the Jog On initiative, but we know we all need to do more to combat misogyny and challenge harmful attitudes and behaviours.”

“I’d like to commend Safer Bradford for launching its own Safety of Women and Girls Plan and look forward to collaborating with them as we strive to make long-term change across West Yorkshire.”

The SOWG Plan represents a significant step towards ensuring the safety of women and girls in Bradford, with ongoing efforts to make long-term changes across West Yorkshire. The plan is accessible online, providing resources and information for those interested in supporting the initiative.