Bee Network support #IsThisOK? campaign
Posted on 16th November 2023 at 15:47
Men and boys are being urged to speak out and challenge harassment or unwanted attention experienced by women and girls on public transport in Greater Manchester.
The latest phase of the #IsThisOK? campaign is encouraging men travelling on public transport to consider their own behaviour and how it might be deemed unacceptable, while also providing support for how they can safely intervene and report incidents they witness.
Research suggests that 57% of women feel unsafe on our streets and public transport, and Transport for Greater Manchester is committed to changing this narrative and ending gender-based violence through its work with the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA), White Ribbon UK and other partners.
Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, said: “The safety of women and girls across our region has and always will be one of my biggest priorities, and ensuring their safety on public transport is of paramount importance as we deliver Greater Manchester’s integrated and inclusive Bee Network.
“We know that women feel much less safe on buses, trams and trains due to the behaviour of, primarily, men and boys. The #IsThisOK? campaign makes it clear that any behaviour which makes anyone feel vulnerable, frightened or unsafe has no place here or anywhere else.
“A survey of men and boys in Greater Manchester we commissioned showed that over half had seen our #IsThisOK? campaign since it was launched in 2021, with half of those saying it made them think, feel, or want to act differently. So I am delighted that TfGM is helping us spread our message even further by highlighting the unacceptable behaviour women and girls face on public transport.”
#IsThisOK? campaign expands onto public transport as part of campaign to tackle gender-based violence (TFGM)
TfGM, together with Greater Manchester Police, also leads the TravelSafe Partnership, which tackles crime and antisocial behaviour on public transport, while also reassuring passengers that they can travel safely.
TravelSafe staff and police dedicate more than 5,000 hours per week patrolling the bus and Metrolink networks, day and night, seven days a week. They are also supported by more than 3,800 CCTV cameras across the network that are monitored 24/7.
Vernon Everitt, Transport Commissioner for Greater Manchester, said: “Everyone using or working on our public transport and active travel network is entitled to be, and feel, safe at all times.
“Through the TravelSafe Partnership we are taking a range of action to make the Bee Network safe for everyone, especially for the 1.4 million women and girls in Greater Manchester who rely on buses, trains or the Metrolink every day.
“More than half of women we surveyed say they feel unsafe on our streets and public transport. I urge everyone to support this campaign to help us change that.”
Check out the campaign videos here.
Tagged as: Metrolink, Manchester, TfGM
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