‘I hear from women and girls who are too scared to catch the bus when it is dark’

This article by Green Councillor for Windmill Hill Lisa Stone was originally published on Bristol 24/7 on March 6th 2025. 

As a feminist, I have been known to challenge the patriarchy over the years.

And while there have been significant improvements to equal rights in my lifetime, there are still some insidious values in our society that need to be called out, and the value of Bristol’s International Women’s Day is as important as it’s ever been.

The belief that women finally have parity with men is categorically not true, and while some claim that equality has swung too far in the other direction, whatever that means, there are worrying signs all over the world.

Let us examine the truth in the UK. According to the office for national statistics, in the financial year ending March 2024, there were 107 homicides in England and Wales. Of these, 83 were women, and 66 of these victims were killed by a partner or ex-partner. All but six were killed by a male suspect.

The stats for domestic abuse are similarly alarming, The crime survey for England and Wales estimated that approximately 7 in 100 women and 3 in 100 men experienced domestic abuse in the same time frame.

Of 2.3 million domestic abuse cases, there were only 38,766 convictions; a 17% conviction rate. This is not good enough, and the police and justice system need to do more to get convictions.

These statistics highlight the reason why women have to come together to discuss issues facing us on a daily basis.

I’ve been a Bristol city councillor for four years now, so every year when International Women’s Day (IWD) comes around on March 8, I see it as a pivotal platform to support and empower women and girls in Bristol.

The 2025 celebration, organised by Bristol Women’s Voice, is set to return to City Hall, and will feature panel discussions on topics like women’s economic inequality, health, global feminism, and women in the arts. Things that affect women everywhere, every day.

I’m also looking forward to a variety of workshops focusing on music, well-being and history, as well as a host of informative talks.

These events not only raise awareness about the challenges women face but also foster a sense of community and solidarity. By coming together on International Women’s Day, we can encourage collective action towards creating a safer environment for women and girls.

In an era where the president of the USA, a man who has been found liable for sexual assault, has said ‘We will protect women, whether they want it or not’ – this feels more needed than ever.

Imagine being told that you cannot take the bus home alone after dark for your own safety. As a councillor, I hear from women and girls who are too scared to catch the bus when it is dark. If women don’t experience a basic level of safety when out, then all of our freedoms are at risk.

In response to this and the alarming statistics above, local organisations and authorities have intensified their efforts to combat violence against women and girls.

Bristol Women’s Voice, for instance, has been instrumental in advocating for women’s rights and safety. Their initiatives, such as the Bristol Zero Tolerance project, aim to tackle gender-based violence, abuse, harassment, and exploitation across the city.

Bristol City Council is also doing work in this area,  is proud to give £2.5m each year to domestic and sexual violence services and will continue to do so.

The Bristol domestic abuse and sexual violence strategy for 2024 to 2027 also outlines a framework for partners to collaborate with individuals and communities.

The goal is to overcome barriers and ensure survivors of all backgrounds can access appropriate support.

The vision is to eradicate domestic abuse and sexual violence in all areas of the city, support all victim-survivors, challenge unacceptable behaviour, and hold perpetrators accountable.

While Bristol faces significant challenges in addressing violence against women and girls, the concerted efforts of local organisations, authorities, and community events like International Women’s Day play a crucial role in supporting and empowering women.

Through continued advocacy, awareness, and strategic action, there is hope for a future where women and girls in Bristol can live free from violence and abuse. I am proud to be part of a city and a council that is working towards that goal.