Lewis Clark, Scotland east area chair, on why White Ribbon Day should inspire men to take action
White Ribbon Day, observed annually on 25 November, is a global movement dedicated to raising awareness about violence against women and girls (VAWG) and advocating for positive social change.
It is a reminder of the importance of creating a culture of respect, equality and safety – not only in the communities we serve but also in our own workplaces. This is not a women’s issue. This is men’s issue and men should take the lead to fix it. When the vast majority of violence against women and girls comes from men, it is our duty as men to call it out.
By making a video for FBU socials on White Ribbon Day, Scotland had a fantastic opportunity to address this directly and, hopefully, change attitudes. I initially thought about this purely from a fire and rescue service perspective, but I can see where this has been present throughout my life. The “cheeky” comments, so-called “banter”, clear discrimination, and physical violence.
This is why it is important for us to challenge this and not just in our fire stations. This has to change, and it starts with we men. This is not a national women’s committee issue to fix, it’s not a female firefighters’ issue to fix, it’s not your mum’s, sister’s, female cousin’s or friends’ issue to fix. It’s a men’s issue to fix. If you are not actively saying no to violence against women you are not doing enough. It starts with us. It starts with men.
Maternity pay, harassment and more on the agenda
Katie Holloway, national women’s committee chair, reports on a successful annual general meeting
The FBU national women’s committee (NWC) held its AGM on 4 December in Cardiff, with delegates and observers attending from all over the UK. We discussed key areas of ongoing work including:
● The Fight for 52 campaign for fair maternity pay
● Results of the Diana Holland report on internal union discipline, All Different All Equal, and processes for complaints of discrimination
● The sexual harassment campaign and action plan from the report on sexual harassment
● Review of minimum workplace facilities
● Policy on domestic violence, including powerful testimony from a member and survivor
● Our upcoming NWC school, 11–13 April 2025. Guest speakers included Rosa from the Decrim Now sex workers’ rights campaign. Nina Reece, new FBU equalities officer, provided counter arguments supporting the Nordic model. In light of ASLEF’s 2017 TUC congress motion, it is important for us all to be informed on the positions in this debate. The unsuccessful motion called for the decriminalisation of sex work. We also voted on resolutions for the 2025 FBU conference.
Our meeting was essential to steer NWC work for the coming year.
