It has been one year since Manchester City Council launched its Women’s Night-time Safety Charter.
This groundbreaking approach to promoting women’s safety aimed to raise awareness about the danger and difficulties faced by women when navigating the city’s night-time economy.
This was a bold approach but 12 months on, it is clear that this programme has been taken to heart across the sector, and will continue to grow in strength.
To date, more than 350 businesses have signed up to the charter, pledging to put measures in place which ensure staff are trained on how to support and keep women safe. The charter has also empowered staff to spot and take action against predatory behaviour before it puts any women at risk.
Welfare, vulnerability and active bystander training has been delivered to more than 600 people who work in the night-time economy so that they can spot the early signs which may indicate a woman is in danger.
Also, working in partnership with the Suzy Lamplugh Trust an e-learning course has been developed, centred around the Night-time Safety Charter, ensuring that as many people who work in the night-time economy have access to the skills that can help identify behaviours which put women in danger.
This work is particularly important as Manchester prepares to welcome a new cohort of students coming to the city’s universities.
A Good Night Out Guide has been prepared by GMCA and the City Council will be distributed to students via welcome packs, as well as being highlighted in an advertising campaign on public transport.
Councillor Bev Craig, Leader of Manchester City Council said: “We launched the Women’s Night-time Safety Charter to work with businesses to make our city better and safer for women. I’ve been pleased to see so many sign up to work with us on this common aim. More than ever the issues women face around violence, misogyny and being made to feel unsafe in the world and this has no place in our city.
“We see this charter going from strength to strength, being used as the basis to train staff across the city and embed safe practice throughout the night-time economy.
“With one of the best night-time scenes in the country we are committed to making sure that Manchester remains a safe city for everyone.”
Saskia Garner, Head of Police and Campaigns at the Suzy Lamplugh Trust, said: “We are delighted to have worked with Manchester City Council to develop tailored training content on stalking and harassment in the workplace for their Women’s Night Safety Charter signatories.
“Everyone deserves to feel and be safe when they are at work. Creating an environment that is free from violence, aggression, harassment and abuse is essential for ensuring this is a reality. We hope our training will give employees and employers the tools to work together to drive out all forms of unwanted behaviour.”
To read the Women's Night-time Safety Charter, follow this link.