Powys residents are being invited to take a stand against violence towards women and girls by joining a series of lunchtime walks next Tuesday (Novermber 25), as the county lends its voice to the global White Ribbon campaign.

The walks will set off simultaneously at 12:30pm in Newtown, Llandrindod Wells and Brecon, forming a visible show of support for efforts to tackle misogyny and abuse. The meeting point for each walk is at the Integrated Family Centre on Park Street in Newtown, outside County Hall in Llandrindod, and at the Dinas Road car park in Brecon.

White Ribbon UK is urging people this year to “speak up” about harmful attitudes and behaviour, encouraging men and boys in particular to challenge sexism where they see it. Powys County Council is a White Ribbon accredited organisation, which means it has made a commitment to ending violence against women in Powys communities, improving its own workplace culture and ensuring the safety of its female employees.

Councillor Matthew Dorrance, Powys County Council’s Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for a Fairer Powys, said: “These walks are a powerful opportunity for us to stand together, raise awareness, and show our collective support for a future free from violence against women and girls. Let’s show everyone that words and actions, motivated by hate, have no place in our communities.”

Cllr Dorrance, who is one of the council’s White Ribbon Lead Ambassadors added: “Sexist jokes, catcalling, staring, and comments might seem harmless, but they are serious because they can lead to violence and abuse.

“Every time we ignore something that doesn’t feel right, we miss a chance to set a better example.”

The campaign is underpinned by sobering statistics. National figures show one in four women will experience sexual assault or attempted assault. The BBC has reported that 39 per cent of secondary school teachers said they are aware of at least one incident of misogynistic behaviour from a pupil in the last week. Workplace surveys have also found a majority of women have faced harassment or verbal abuse on the job.

While Welshpool is not hosting a walk, the town council will hold a candlelit vigil outside the town hall at 5pm on Tuesday. In Brecon, a White Ribbon service is scheduled for St David’s Church in Llanfaes at 2:30pm on Sunday, November 30.