On Wednesday 8th March we celebrated International Women’s Day. The 2023 campaign theme is #EmbraceEquity.
For International Women’s Day and beyond, let’s all fully #EmbraceEquity.
The term “equity” refers to fairness and justice and means recognizing that we do not all start from the same place. Whereas equality means providing the same to all, equity acknowledges and adjust imbalances, creating a fair and equal world.
We can all challenge gender stereotypes, call out discrimination or draw attention to bias. When we embrace equity, we embrace diversity, and we embrace inclusion. Collectively, we can all forge positive change.
Let’s all embrace equity today, and Strike the #EmbraceEquity pose
This week is also No More Week which is raising awareness of domestic abuse and sexual violence. They’ve debunked the myths around these issues – find out the facts by visiting: https://uksaysnomore.org/learn/learn-sexual-violence/myth-busting/
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic abuse, there are #SafeSpaces that you can use in Thurrock. Find a Safe Space near you at https://uksaysnomore.org/safespaces/ or find out more about Online Safe Spaces: https://uksaysnomore.org/online-safe-spaces/
Essex Police: Sex or Gender Hate Crime and Hate Incident reporting
Essex Police record Hate Crimes and Hate Incidents where the motivation or prejudice is towards a person’s sex or gender. Understanding sex or gender can be complicated, it is often a combination of things such as your anatomical sex, how you feel yourself to be, how you outwardly express yourself, and who you are, or are not, romantically attracted to.
Reports of sex and gender-based hate to Essex Police is extremely low. In the last 12 months we have only had 91 reported of these 82 were towards females.
The largest age bracket is 31-40.
As displayed on the graphs there is, as we’ve already highlighted a disproportionate number of female victims, however, it is also noticeable there are reported instances of victims who are being targeted at ages we deem to be extremely vulnerable.
Be part of the change, tell people if their behaviour is inappropriate, encourage people of all genders to report when they have been targeted. Ask if they are OK. These simple things are how together, we can all make a difference.
Use the attached resources to show your commitment towards equity.
Watch the You Tube videos, both are only a few minutes. but it highlights how easy we can start that change.
Enough. Campaign to Tackle Violence Against Women & Girls Launches – YouTube
We can stop violence against women and girls. Enough is enough. It’s on all of us to demand change in society.
VAWG Lead Maggie Blyth On Challenges Ahead – YouTube
“Women and girls are calling for change. That is really important to me.” As the National Police Chiefs Council publishes its new strategy for policing VAWG, its author Maggie Blyth says it’s time for a fundamental shift in the tackling of violence against women and girls.