Women from across the region gathered today at Newcastle United Foundation for a special Walking Football Tournament, highlighting the power of community action and a shared commitment to ending violence against women and girls. Held for White Ribbon Day, the tournament marked the start of 16 days of activism against gender-based violence.
The event brought together those accessing charity Changing Lives services, charity workers, commissioners and partner organisations for a day of sport and solidarity. Now in its third year, the tournament continues to grow strengthening relationships across services and offering a positive, empowering space for women to come together, participate in sport, and champion change within their communities.
White Ribbon Day calls on men and boys to reflect on how they can play their part in achieving equality and safety for women and girls. The tournament echoes this message by uniting people from across the criminal justice, charity and community sectors behind one goal: a future free from violence.
Women’s Walking Football Tournament
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Dawn Harrison, Criminal Justice Service Manager at Changing Lives, said: “This is our third year hosting the White Ribbon Walking Football Tournament, and it has truly become an important annual moment for us all to come together and demonstrate our shared commitment to ending violence against women and girls.
“The White Ribbon symbol has deep roots, originating in Canada in 1991 as a response to the Montreal Massacre, and locally in Newcastle-upon-Tyne in 1876 through the White Ribbon Association, later the British Women’s Temperance Association.
“These histories remind us why we must keep speaking up: to amplify the voices of those who are not yet heard, to raise awareness of the harm still happening today, and to stand united in our pledge as White Ribbon supporters. Events like this show the power of community, solidarity, and continued action.”
At the tournament was Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner, Susan Dungworth. She said: “I’m proud to support today’s White Ribbon Walking Football event, but it’s about so much more than sport. It’s about coming together in strength and solidarity. It’s about raising awareness. And, importantly, it’s about making a commitment to end violence against women and girls.
“Every step taken on the pitch is a reminder of the steps we must take such as challenging harmful behaviour, educating our young people, and ensuring support is there when it’s needed most. When I set out my police and crime plan earlier this year, residents, local services and partners said they want to see more done to reduce violence against women and girls. That’s exactly why I made it a key priority.
“As your Commissioner, I want to make sure you feel safe, whether that is in the comfort of your own home or out in public places. Through the work of my office and our partners, we will continue to support survivors, prioritise prevention initiatives, take action against perpetrators, and strengthen the systems that keep you safe.
“And while we continue to support the 16 days of activism campaign, our commitment to ending abuse must continue all year round. Together we will continue to drive meaningful, lasting change and build safer stronger communities for everyone.”
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Last update on 2026-08-05 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API. Walking Football Limited is also an Amazon Associate and earns a commission from qualifying purchases
The Walking Football Tournament stands as a powerful reminder that while White Ribbon Day is marked once a year, the commitment to ending violence against women and girls must extend far beyond a single date in the calendar. As previously reported by Chronicle Live, women and girls to also set to take to streets once again this Saturday for the annual Reclaim the Night march in Newcastle city centre, with hundreds expected to take a stand against gender based violence.
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Author: The Walking Football
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