Suffolk New College took part in a campaign that aims to try and eradicate gender-based violence in society.
Organised by UN Women, the 16 Days of Action was set up in 1991 and this year, the focus was on stopping online abuse.
Globally, around 6000 organisations from 187 countries stood together to raise awareness of issues relating to domestic abuse in all its forms.
As part of that, learners and the student support team joined forces creating various activities that have taken place across the Suffolk New College and Suffolk Rural campuses.
They included an exhibition stand set up by art student EJ (Emma) Fryatt who promoted a ‘white ribbon’ campaign. (This is a global movement aimed at ending male violence towards women and girls).
Across the Rural Campus learners engaged through their personal development sessions, sparking difficult conversations, open debate and raising awareness of this topic.
Sam Mason is a Senior Student Support & Safeguarding Officer at Suffolk Rural. He said: “This annual campaign gives the opportunity for the college to show its commitment to creating a safe space for Women & Girls, we have a dedicated student support team ready to support in whatever way they can; offering a safe space to speak; to signpost; and to help report violence and abuse.”
Liam Cannon is a Personal Progress tutor at the college. He said: “The students tied ribbons around college to support EJ’s campaign. They were also involved in a no excuse handprint project that promoted the idea that there is no excuse for violence – and students wrote empathetic notes and created a montage that will remain in the college learning curve. I think it’s important we got involved in this as a college because as a society we want people to have the best life that they can. So to make positive change and ensure people are safe we all need to have conversations and start calling people out if we see bad behaviour.”
Ryan Crisp is a Senior Student Support and Safeguarding Officer. Ryan said: “Our marketing team created digital posts for our social channels every day, highlighting various anti gender-based violence organisations and promoting local services here in Suffolk.
In terms of why the college is involved, Ryan added: “I think it’s really important we raise awareness in terms of some of the unseen violence that happens in households. And it’s also a campaign that helps promote the fact that we are a safe place for staff and students and we are there for people and we will do everything we can to support them.”
EJ (Emma) Fryatt who will now be using notes people wrote during her white ribbon campaign to create some artwork said: ” For my project I am creating an interactive art Installation in the atrium near Student Support. Students can tie a teal coloured ribbon to the railings if they or anyone they know have experienced any sort of sexual harassment, abuse, violence etc likewise the men can tie a white ribbon if they have heard of The White Ribbon charity. All the ribboning will then be used to create a textile mural, in tribute to all the victims and all those who participated.”