What Happened?
The Welsh Government has commissioned Kindling Interventions to pilot a series of Bystander Intervention sessions aimed at challenging and tackling misogyny and violence against women and girls. These sessions, designed to equip participants with a four-pronged approach to intervention, offer practical guidance on how to intervene in various scenarios—whether in the moment or after an incident, and whether the intervention involves the victim, the perpetrator, strangers, or friends and family. As a council, we actively support this Welsh Government initiative as this training contributes to our important corporate commitment to be a council which has eliminated all forms of Discrimination Against Women. Child Friendly Cardiff’s Children’s Rights Trainer, Charlotte Bowden, has been appointed as a freelance trainer for this project, bringing her expertise and passion for gender equity to the initiative.
Why?
This initiative addresses a critical need identified in Child Friendly Cardiff’s gender report https://www.childfriendlycardiff.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/CFC-Gender-Equity-Consultation-and-Engagement-Phase-Report.pdf, which highlighted the key theme of tackling misogyny and violence against women and girls. The Bystander Intervention sessions are designed to empower individuals to take action in their communities, fostering a culture where such behaviours are actively challenged and not tolerated. Charlotte Bowden’s involvement in this project stems from her commitment to achieving gender equity, a commitment which was further fuelled by the gender work she has engaged in through her role in the Child Friendly Cardiff team.
So What?
The pilot of the Bystander Intervention sessions has the potential to create a significant shift in how misogyny and violence against women and girls are addressed within Cardiff and beyond. By equipping attendees with practical intervention strategies, the sessions aim to build a community that is proactive in standing against harmful behaviours. This initiative not only aligns with the findings of Child Friendly Cardiff’s gender report but also reinforces Cardiff’s broader commitment to gender equity and the safety of its residents.