Giant white ribbon to light up Stirling campus in commitment to end gender-based violence

A giant white ribbon will shine on the University of Stirling campus for the next four nights to mark its commitment to help end violence against women.  

 The ribbon, which is being projected onto the Campus Central building at the heart of Stirling’s campus, launches the University’s participation in the nationally recognised White Ribbon campaign.  

 White Ribbon Scotland is an educational organisation that aims to encourage reflection and discussion that leads to action among men to end violence against women. It states that most men do not commit violence against women, but that all men have a role in ending it.  

 Professor Sir Gerry McCormac, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Stirling, is leading the University’s commitment to the campaign as a White Ribbon ambassador. In addition, a group of volunteer champions and speakers will help communicate the campaign’s messages across the University of Stirling. The endorsement of the White Ribbon campaign represents another step in the delivery of the joint University and Students’ Union strategy to prevent and tackle gender-based violence.  

The University joins key organisations across the region, under the umbrella of the Stirling Gender-Based Violence Partnership, in the campaign. These include Forth Valley College, Stirling Council, Police Scotland, Active Stirling and NHS Forth Valley. 

The Partnership and the White Ribbon campaign is holding a number of events during the annual 16 Days of Action Against Violence Against Women from 25 November to 10 December.  

Professor McCormac said: “I am proud that the University of Stirling has joined with our local partners to support the White Ribbon campaign.

  White Ribbon campaign supporters and University of Stirling staff with ambassador Professor Sir Gerry McCormac at Campus Central, University of Stirling.

“Our sustained commitment to ending gender-based violence is already embedded in the culture here at Stirling, but we can never shout too loud about this issue. That’s why we are encouraging men among our staff and students to come forward and be part of the campaign, to challenge gender-based violence if they see it happen, and to support and empower people who have endured it.  

“The white ribbon reminds everyone – staff, students and visitors – of our dedication and shared responsibility to eradicate gender-based violence.” 

Kelly Marriot, Student Support Officer at the University of Stirling, said: “Stirling was the first area to gain White Ribbon Status and it has been fantastic working with such dedicated partners on behalf of the University of Stirling to relaunch this campaign. We encourage all staff and students to sign the White Ribbon Scotland pledge to never commit, condone or remain silent about violence against women in all its forms.” 

Stirling’s Campus Central, which hosts its Student Services Hub as well as social and study spaces, overlooks Queen’s Court, a busy thoroughfare of the University. Redeveloped in 2021, Campus Central was one of seven buildings in Scotland named by the Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland as winners of the 2023 RIAS Awards.  

 For more information visit White Ribbon Scotland | Student life | University of Stirling and 16 Days of Activism | About | University of Stirling.