Cross-city rivals Hull FC and Hull KR will come together to support White Ribbon UK on Derby Day tomorrow – the country’s leading charity in engaging men and boys to end violence against women and girls.
White Ribbon’s aim aim is to prevent violence against women and girls before it starts by addressing its root causes. They engage with over 1% of the working population by supporting organisations to bring about positive culture change.
Everyone can make the White Ribbon Promise never to use, excuse or remain silent about men’s violence against women. To find out how to and more visit whiteribbon.org.uk/
Both club’s support of the campaign began earlier this season by wearing the White Ribbon symbol on their jerseys during matches against Salford and Leigh respectively.
And the support of the two clubs will continue tomorrow at the MKM Stadium in front of a capacity crowd of over 21,000 rugby league fans.
A giant White Ribbon will be placed in the centre of the pitch at midday – then, players and staff of both clubs, alongside the High Sherriff of East Yorkshire, members of the Humberside Scouts who have earned the world’s first White Ribbon badge, will release 201 white biodegradable balloons – one for each of the lives of the 201 women who have tragically lost their lives to domestic homicide or suicide
The High Sheriff of the East Riding of Yorkshire, Jacky Bowes, a high-profile advocate for White Ribbon UK who has encouraged both clubs to get involved and who have been proud to be involved, said: “Whilst the two clubs are highly competitive on the pitch, together they are absolutely as one, unified in standing up against Domestic Abuse and Violence against Women and Girls (VAWG)
“Taking the white of their respective team colours, they are sending such a powerful message to all their supporters, and especially to those who look to them as role models.
“Both clubs’ management teams were immediately receptive to the idea of the campaign and have been incredible in their support of it and I am so grateful to them.
She added: “We must work together to bring an end to these horrendous behaviours, I am so grateful to Hull FC and Hull KR for their amazing support and to everyone who has supported me throughout my year I office.
“Whilst my year may be coming to an end, I will be continuing to support the amazing work of so many, in the City of Hull and the East Riding of Yorkshire, for many years to come, as we work to ensure that these totally unacceptable behaviours become socially unacceptable.”
Both team have worked to understand gender equality while positively addressing harmful gender norms which can negatively impact women and girls.
In doing so, the clubs aim to use sport as a unifier, and a place where positive traits, such as allyship, courage, being principled and kind can be nurtured and celebrated.
Anthea Sully, Chief Executive of White Ribbon UK said: “It is so important that these great teams are coming together to amplify how everyone can stop violence against women before it starts.
“It is a wonderful example of how men, especially those in traditionally male-dominated spaces like sport, can be change makers to their fans and the larger Hull community and beyond. It sends a powerful message that violence will not be tolerated.”
Tracy Harsley Chair of Safer Hull, said: “Tragically between April 2020 and March 2021, 201 victims lost their lives. Violence against women and girls has a devastating impact on victims, their children, their wider family and local community as they all feel the ripple effects of this most horrendous crime.
“We are proud to be a White Ribbon city and the two rugby clubs coming together to support us to raise awareness sends a very strong and clear message that violence against women and girls has no place in our city. We encourage everyone to stand beside us and make the White Ribbon promise: to never use, excuse or remain silent about men’s violence towards women.”
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