Brentford’s home fixture against Arsenal on Saturday 25 November coincides with the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and Girls - and ahead of the match the club will show its support of the initiative.
An estimated 736 million - almost one in three – women globally have been subjected to physical and/or sexual intimate partner violence, non-partner sexual violence, or both, at least once in their life.
25 November has been observed by women’s rights activists as a day against gender-based violence since 1981 and the event now focuses on the need for better response and preventative measures, including investment for women’s organisations, better legislation and more services for survivors.
At Brentford, we take the safety of our female fans seriously. The club has previously set up a women and girls forum to give our fans a platform to share their experiences of matchdays at Gtech Community Stadium or further afield.
September’s edition of the women and girls forum came following Brentford’s signing of the Women’s Night Safety Charter, a voluntary pledge that reinforces our commitment to improving women’s safety and match experience with proactive measures.
The forum was also an opportunity for female Bees fans to raise concerns directly to the Metropolitan Police Service, who had officers in attendance to answer any questions about matchday safety.
Matchday Activity
Brentford has planned some activity to mark International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and Girls.
Our first-team players will arrive at Gtech Community Stadium wearing white ribbons, a recognised symbol of opposition to gender-based violence and solidarity with survivors of abuse.
After the final whistle, the club has organised a Walk and Talk in collaboration with the Metropolitan Police, giving fans the opportunity to meet and engage in open conversations with our dedicated law enforcement officers, while walking along selected routes in the local area they may take after matches or on non-matchdays.
The event will highlight practical tips, share resources and address any concerns that fans may have regarding personal safety when walking home from matches or when walking on non-matchdays in the area.
All fans are encouraged to join and share their valuable feedback so that we can improve and refine our efforts to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all fans.
To attend, please RSVP to Joanne Surgeoner, fan engagement manager, by Thursday 23 November via email: [email protected].