Council bids to 'stamp out' misogyny

A council has launched a plan to improve the safety of women and girls, aimed at ensuring they can "live without fear".

Bradford Council announced its Safety of Women and Girls initiative to "combat misogyny and challenge harmful attitudes".

Measures include education programmes to challenge sexism, and encouraging bystanders to take action if they witness anything "concerning".

Opening the launch at the University of Bradford, West Yorkshire Mayor Tracy Brabin said tackling violence against women was one of the "top priorities" for the region.

The scheme followed a "detailed consultation" with district residents, "ensuring that it covers local concerns and seeks ways to tackle them effectively", the council said.

The authority is working with West Yorkshire Police, the Bradford District Wellbeing Board and the University of Bradford on the project, led by Assia Hussain, the council's lead officer on the safety of women and girls.

The plan will include the use of short films to highlight "how behaviours need to change", with audiences invited to discuss the films afterwards.

Bradford City Football Club will work to raise awareness of domestic abuse and sexual violence, while schools and other education providers will be encouraged to offer awareness training.

The council said it would work with existing movements like Jog On - a campaign that raises awareness about female runners being harassed.

Ms Brabin said: "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."

Councillor Kamran Hussain, Bradford Council’s portfolio holder for neighbourhoods and community safety, added: “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."

• If you've been affected by the issues in this story, help and support is available via the BBC Action Line

Listen to highlights from West Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North or tell us a story you think we should be covering here.