A group of six male students and one female student from secondary schools across Derby have come together to create a powerful campaign for White Ribbon Day 2024. Working alongside local creative agency Goldbox Productions following funding from Crimebeats Awards, the students have produced posters to raise awareness and to get men to take action against violence targeting women and girls. 

The campaign has been led by Voices in Action (ViA) Youth Council at Derby City Council and has been supported by the Council and the Derby Youth Alliance. 

White Ribbon Day, observed annually on 25 November, is an International Day of Awareness where men and boys show their commitment to ending violence against women and girls. This year’s theme, ‘It Starts with Men’, focuses on how men and boys can challenge attitudes and behaviours that allow violence and abuse to thrive. 

The Derby students’ campaign highlights the importance of speaking up, promoting respect, and fostering safe communities for all. Their work reflects Derby City Council’s ongoing commitment to tackling violence against women and girls as a key priority for the city. 

Muhammad Muntasir, one of the students who created the campaign, said:

This campaign allowed me to not only educate myself but also assist in a topic I am passionate about. The group had full creative control and developed my communication skills, leading to an award-winning campaign from the National Crimebeats Awards - truly a campaign from young people, by young people.

Councillor Paul Hezelgrave, Deputy Leader of Derby City Council and Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Skills, said:

This campaign is a wonderful example of young people stepping forward to take the lead on such an important issue. I’m incredibly proud of these students for their creativity and commitment to raising awareness of violence of women and girls. Their work demonstrates the need for us all to take responsibility in creating a safer, fairer society.

Alongside White Ribbon Day, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, led by the United Nations, begins on November 25. This marks the beginning of 16 days of activism dedicated to raising awareness and promoting action to end violence against women globally. 

Visit the White Ribbon UK website to find out more.