Glasgow’s Colleges team up to tackle gender-based violence

Eight students wearing football strips holding a cup

Glasgow college students took a stand against gender-based violence with a regional five-a-side football tournament.

Teams from City of Glasgow, Glasgow Clyde and Glasgow Kelvin Colleges, went head-to-head on the pitch, signing White Ribbon Scotland’s pledge to end violence against women.

Organised by the colleges’ Student Associations, and supported by Glasgow Colleges’ Regional Board, the winning trophy was taken home by Team Clean Up from City of Glasgow College.

Robert Scullion, Student Engagement Officer at City of Glasgow College, explained:

“We wanted to get Glasgow’s colleges together through sport to support White Ribbon Scotland and tackle gender-based violence. This was an opportunity to teach young people the message that any type of violence against anybody isn’t tolerated. We have a responsibility to make sure people are aware of this type of campaign. It was a fantastic event and we hope to host more like this in future.”

Each college has been awarded White Ribbon status, which is given to organisations who demonstrate they have engaged in activities designed to educate men about violence against women and involve them in helping to bring this to an end.

Martin Boyle, Executive Director of Glasgow Colleges’ Regional Board, said:

“We want to thank Glasgow’s three colleges and everyone involved in organising, supporting and participating in this fantastic collaborative event, in support of a very important cause.”

Davy Thompson, Campaign Director for White Ribbon Scotland, said:

“We’re pleased to be working with all three Glasgow colleges in addressing violence against women. Events like the regional football tournament draw attention to the issues and raise awareness in a friendly, competitive way.”

The event was hosted at PowerLeague Glasgow on 26 May 2022 and featured a climbing wall alongside the football tournament. White Ribbon Scotland were welcomed along with charity organisations who offer support services to students, including Action for Children, Disability Sport Glasgow, Emily Test and Financially Included.

Information on White Ribbon Scotland is available on their website.