Teenagers in Alsager have been given an education in equality this month, thanks to a neighbouring town.

A local White Ribbon Group visited Alsager School recently to give talks to encourage students to challenge sexism and harassment.

Pupils also pledged join the White Ribbon Campaign, which hopes to eradicate male-on-female violence.

Year 12 took part in the sessions which were presented by Congleton Town Council White Ribbon Ambassadors Yacob Cajee and Jonathan Dakin, supported by White Ribbon Champion Cllr Kay Wesley. 

White Ribbon is a global movement which engages men and boys, in particular, to challenge the attitudes and behaviours that lead to male violence against women. 

The talk included an interactive poll to stimulate discussion about sexism, harassment and abuse, and what can be done about it.

Mr Cajee, a White Ribbon Ambassador, shared some statistics about sexual violence and domestic abuse, including some stats of the crime in Alsager.

Each week, there are an average of three incidents of domestic abuse in Alsager reported to the police each week.

Mr Cajee (right) and students from Alsager School Year 12.

"This is not a problem for women to solve," Mr Cajee said.

"The only people who can stop male violence against women are men. That is the purpose of the White Ribbon campaign." 

Violence and sexual offences is also the most frequent crime in Alsager, with 798 offences occuring in the last three years according to Police UK, with some of these being domestic incidents.

In April 2021 a national survey by Victim Focus found 94 per cent of girls under 18 have been catcalled in the street by men. In Cheshire East, a 2021 survey of women found that over 90 per cent do not always feel safe on the streets.

Boys of Alsager school back the pledge.

The polls conducted at the school reflected similar concerns, with 97% of the girls and 44% of the boys saying they take 'more than one' of a list of actions to keep themselves safe on a night out. 

Mr Dakin then explained that the White Ribbon Campaign was about men and boys challenging definitions of masculinity that include aggression, sexism and exerting power over women and others. He outlined a set of actions the school and students could take, including making their White Ribbon Promise, becoming a White Ribbon School, and helping launch the Cheshire East SHOUT campaign – 'Sexual Harassment, let's stamp it OUT', which has been developed by young people for young people in the local area.

Alison Pole, Director of 6th Form at Alsager School revealed how many students signed up.

"This is such an important campaign and message to get out," she said.

According to the Office of National Statistics (ONS) about 7.9% of women suffered domestic abuse in England and Wales during 2018. (Image - Victoria_Art Pixabay)

"One third of our 6th Form students signed up on the day and I'm sure that there will be more to come! Thank you for coming in to talk to us." 

Alsager School, of Hasall Road, has 1300 pupils across Years 7-12.

Congleton Town Cllr Kay Wesley, who is the UK's first Women's Equality Party Town Councillor, had this to say on the Alsager trip, and emphasised how many of the pupils pledging are soon-to-become adults.

"We were delighted that a large number of the young people were keen to make their White Ribbon promise," she said.

"This cohort is just going into Year 13 and it was wonderful to hear them sharing ideas for taking this forward in school next year."

Chair of the Congleton White Ribbon Group Cllr Robert Hemsley wants to also see our town's local government get involved.

"It was good to be invited to Alsager to spread the word about White Ribbon. I know that members of Alsager Town Council are keen to get accredited and we will help them in any way we can to achieve this."

The White Ribbon Promise is "I promise to never commit, excuse or remain silent about male violence against women."

Alsager individuals, organisations or businesses can make their promise at any time online at this webpage. 

But any Alsager-based organisations, clubs or employers are interested in gaining their own accreditation as White Ribbon organisations, please contact Congleton's accredited team via [email protected].

Alsager Town Council have been contacted for further comment.

To find more about Alsager Sixth Form, please click here.