COMMUNITY leaders and sports clubs are teaming up to encourage pledges to end violence against women and girls.

Tomorrow (November 25), events will be taking place across Southampton and Hampshire for White Ribbon Day, the largest global initiative to end violence against women.

In Southampton, a display of paired women’s shoes will be displayed in Guildhall Square as part of a city council event between 10am and 4pm.

Alongside the paired shoe display, artwork by local artists and students will be on display with an opportunity for men and women to make the ‘White Ribbon Promise' and write what they wish to change about the issue.

Meanwhile, sports clubs from across the area are teaming up with Hampshire Police and Crime Commissioner to promote the "White Ribbon Day promise" to never commit, excuse or remain silent about male violence against women.

Southampton Football Club, Hampshire Football Association, Hampshire Cricket and Hampshire Rugby Football have all agreed to support the initiative and will be running activities to spread the word and encourage others to make the White Ribbon Day promise.

By wearing the ribbon, posting on social media, recording and sharing video messages and having training from services that support women who have been victims of violence, the clubs are aiming to raise awareness of the issue.

Donna Jones, Police and Crime Commissioner said: “Traditionally preventing violence against women and girls has been the responsibility of females leading to them altering their behaviours to stay safe. It is not right that women don’t feel safe to walk home alone.

“White Ribbon Day is about men stepping up and speaking out. All men can make a difference by thinking carefully about their own behaviour and being prepared to call out sexist and harassing behaviour when they see it."

Meanwhile, Cllr Spiros Vassiliou, cabinet member for Communities, Culture and Heritage at Southampton City Council said: "We have a real opportunity to get the message out there that violence against women and girls must end. Through education and prevention at an early age, all men and boys can make a difference, by thinking of their own behaviours and attitudes and being prepared to call out harmful behaviour when they see it.”