Bradford has unveiled a bold new plan to make the district safer for women and girls, with a focus on combating misogyny and challenging harmful attitudes. The Safety of Women and Girls (SOWG) Plan, launched on Thursday, 8 August, at the University of Bradford, aims to tackle violence, harassment, and abuse through education, community engagement, and accountability.
The launch event, held at Norcroft Auditorium, featured opening remarks from West Yorkshire Mayor Tracy Brabin, along with notable speakers including Bradford-born TV presenter Anita Rani and the university’s Pro Vice-Chancellor for Inclusion and Diversity, Professor Udy Archibong.
Spearheaded by Assia Hussain, Bradford Council’s Lead Officer on the Safety of Women and Girls, the plan was developed by Safer Bradford in collaboration with the Bradford District Wellbeing Board, the University of Bradford, and other key partners. It is grounded in extensive community consultation and targets four main areas:
- Challenging Negative Attitudes: Engaging men and boys in initiatives to change behaviors towards women and girls.
- Community Engagement: Promoting active bystander support and shifting community attitudes on violence against women.
- Education: Implementing comprehensive programs in schools to confront sexism and misogyny.
- Accountability: Developing strategies to hold perpetrators responsible for their actions.
The plan includes partnerships with organisations like Bradford City Football Club and features campaigns such as “Jog On,” which addresses harassment of female joggers. Tailored training, awareness programs, and community discussions are also central to the initiative.
Bradford Council’s Portfolio Holder for Neighbourhoods and Community Safety, Cllr Kamran Hussain, emphasised the urgency of the plan, stating, “Misogyny and unhealthy attitudes must be eradicated through education and decisive action. This plan aims to ensure that all women and girls in our district can live without fear.”
West Mayor Tracy Brabin echoed this commitment, praising the ongoing efforts in Bradford and expressing her support for the SOWG Plan as part of a broader strategy to make West Yorkshire safer for women and girls.
Mayor Tracy Brabin said: “Tackling violence against women and girls is one of our top priorities for the region.
“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.
“I’d like to commend Safer Bradford for launching its own Safety of Women and Girls Plan and look forward to collaborating with them as we strive to make long-term change across West Yorkshire.”
For more information and to access the plan, visit the Safety of Women and Girls Toolkit online.
