Pilot Violence Against Women and Girls Street Safety Project

This commission attempts to respond to what we are hearing in a creative, impactful, practical and inclusive manner. It will involve the voices of young women and girls through workshops in the development of the performance, ensure the work is trauma-informed by commissioning a specialist group throughout the whole delivery, and offer training to the public on how to better respond when witnessing inappropriate behaviours.

Local and national evidence identifies VAWG (Violence Against Women and Girls) as a significant issue for young people.

182 young women raised concerns about gender-based violence, sexism and harassment. 158 young women identified feeling at risk from boys and men because of their gender.

Through the research, we read that 51% of all girls aged 13 to 18 received unwanted sexual comments, with 33% aged 13 and 14. 29%...revealed they first experienced sexual harassment when they were just 11 to 13 years old

Plan International carried out a survey in 2023 which brought attention to the number of young women and girls (over 3 quarters of those surveyed) who avoid activities and change their behaviours during summer to reduce unwanted sexual attention.

Scope of the Programme

The whole programme will involve 3 aspects:

• Development and delivery of street-based performances
• Delivery of Bystander Intervention Training in communities
• Communications Campaign to strengthen message and increase reach.

The commission of a Theatre group is to take a lead role in the performance, from research & development through to delivery and evaluation.