"We can't do it alone": Call for men to be allies in women's safety
Today, 8th March 2026, marks International Women's Day
An organisation in Salisbury is calling for men to stand alongside women as allies and to make sure they're doing their bit to help them feel safe in society.
Today (8/3) is International Women's Day, which calls for equality between men and women.
Liz Batten, from the Salisbury Soroptimists, says men play an important role in achieving that.
"We always say if women and girls feel safe, as often seen as the more vulnerable members of the community, then hopefully everybody will feel safe," she said.
Liz insists it's not something that can be done alone and that it's an issue for all of society to tackle.
"Sometimes people are anxious, particularly walking alone at night, and it is just nice to know that someone else is looking out for you so that you don't have to feel quite so worried about being on your own and perhaps darker parts of the city," she told Greatest Hits Radio.
Liz also highlighted the importance of supportive male allies in the community, suggesting simple actions like crossing the street when walking near a lone woman at night as effective measures to reassure women and reduce their anxiety.
She says that small gestures, such as making eye contact or engaging in a phone conversation while walking, can further alleviate concerns about personal safety.
The Good Guys Guide and Community Engagement
The campaign features a new initiative called the Good Guys Guide, providing tips for men to consider their behavior and support women’s feeling of safety.
Stickers with these tips are being distributed at locations frequented by men, such as barbershops and gyms, to foster conversation and awareness.
This initiative is part of a wider effort by the Soroptimists to address safety in Salisbury.
The group actively checks street lighting for faults and promotes the 'Ask for Angela' initiative, where individuals can discreetly seek help in public venues if they feel unsafe.
H2 - Addressing Challenges in Transport
Concerns about transportation safety are also a focus, with Liz urging local taxi drivers to assist women needing short rides, particularly after dark.
She advocates for fair pricing and encourages women to report any misconduct by taxi drivers to the local authorities.
Despite Salisbury being regarded as safe, Liz acknowledges the persistent anxiety many women feel, especially at night.
Through targeted actions and community support, campaigners hope to bolster women's confidence in the city's safety and improve their overall experience.