In alignment with White Ribbon Day on November 25th, Motherwell Cheshire CIO’s Inspire Project has launched a vital schools pack to open up conversations with young people around gender-based violence, healthy relationships, and boundary-setting. White Ribbon Day is an internationally recognized day of commitment where men and boys pledge to help end violence against women and girls. It encourages individuals and organisations to take positive action to challenge harmful cultures and behaviours that perpetuate gender-based violence.

Timed to coincide with this meaningful day, the Inspire Project’s schools pack equips educators with accessible, interactive lesson plans designed to engage students in discussions around identifying inappropriate behaviours, recognizing signs of healthy and unhealthy relationships, and establishing personal boundaries. Developed in response to insights shared by young women during a feminism panel at the charity’s most recent conference, this resource reflects the lived experiences and voices of young women who face significant challenges around inappropriate and harmful behaviours in schools and beyond.

Carys Walker, specialist counsellor at Motherwell Cheshire, emphasised the significance of the schools pack, saying, “What was really clear from the young women who featured in our feminism panel is that women and girls continue to face significant challenges in school and beyond regarding inappropriate and harmful behaviour. The school’s pack aims to invite all genders into this conversation to address how we can all be part of the solution.”

The need for this initiative is underscored by Ofsted’s 2021 report into sexual harassment in schools, which found that 92% of girls, and 74% of boys, said sexist name-calling happens a lot or sometimes to them or their peers. The report stated that “The frequency of these harmful sexual behaviours means that some children and young people consider them normal.” These statistics highlight the importance of the schools pack as a tool for educators in tackling these behaviours and fostering a safer, more respectful school environment.

By releasing this resource on White Ribbon Day, the Inspire Project aims to emphasise the collective responsibility to end violence against women and girls. The schools pack encourages young people across all genders to take part in meaningful discussions, equipping them with practical skills to recognize unhealthy behaviours, set boundaries, and foster respectful relationships.

About Motherwell Cheshire CIO’s Inspire Project:  

The Inspire Project is dedicated to eradicating health inequalities and amplifying young women’s voices in Cheshire and beyond. Through free counselling, empowerment activities, and community-led initiatives, the project seeks to improve physical and mental health outcomes and support young women in creating a brighter, healthier future. More information can be found at www.inspire-motherwell.co.uk

For more information about the resources, please contact:

Carys Walker – carys.walker@motherwellcheshirecio.com