Labour Group Member Motion

Misogyny, harassment and violence towards women and girls (VAWG) is endemic in the UK. 

A 2021 YouGov/ UN Women UK survey found that of women aged 18-24, 97% said they had been sexually harassed. 

80% of women of all ages said they had experienced sexual harassment in public spaces. It is inevitable that many women and girls across our city are suffering harassment and abuse.

In 2020, the ONS reported that 618,000 women were victims of a sexual assault or an attempted sexual assault by a man.

In the year to March 2020, 1.4% of rape cases recorded by police resulted in a suspect being charged (or receiving a summons).

Studies show the intersectional nature of discrimination means women with protected characteristics, such as those from Black, Asian or Ethnic Minority, disabled or LGBT+ Communities, and specially trans women, are even more likely to experience harassment, discrimination and abuse. Women with insecure immigration status and refugee women are also additionally vulnerable. 

The Council resolves:

·         To ensure Oxford City Council continues to do everything in its power to build a city free from misogyny and VAWG. 

·         To create a VAWG Taskforce. It is vital that women’s and girl’s voices are heard.  The Council will create a process that proactively listens to women’s voices across the city. This task force will be open to include and involve all women and self identifying women Councillors. 

·         To become a White Ribbon Accredited Organisation. 

Cllr Abrishami, seconded by Cllr Upton, proposed the submitted motion as set out in the agenda and briefing note.

After debate and on being put to the vote the motion was agreed.

Council resolved to adopt the following motion:

Misogyny, harassment and violence towards women and girls (VAWG) is endemic in the UK. 

A 2021 YouGov/ UN Women UK survey found that of women aged 18-24, 97% said they had been sexually harassed. 

80% of women of all ages said they had experienced sexual harassment in public spaces. It is inevitable that many women and girls across our city are suffering harassment and abuse.

In 2020, the ONS reported that 618,000 women were victims of a sexual assault or an attempted sexual assault by a man.

In the year to March 2020, 1.4% of rape cases recorded by police resulted in a suspect being charged (or receiving a summons).

Studies show the intersectional nature of discrimination means women with protected characteristics, such as those from Black, Asian or Ethnic Minority, disabled or LGBT+ Communities, and specially trans women, are even more likely to experience harassment, discrimination and abuse. Women with insecure immigration status and refugee women are also additionally vulnerable. 

The Council resolves:

·         To ensure Oxford City Council continues to do everything in its power to build a city free from misogyny and VAWG. 

·         To create a VAWG Taskforce. It is vital that women’s and girl’s voices are heard.  The Council will create a process that proactively listens to women’s voices across the city. This task force will be open to include and involve all women and self identifying women Councillors. 

To become a White Ribbon Accredited Organisation.