A NEW Women’s Night Safety Charter to help improve women’s safety across the region has been launched by the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA).
The charter, the first of its kind in the region, sets out guidance for venues, operators, charities, councils and businesses to improve safety at night for women – including better training of staff, encouraging the reporting of harassment and ensuring public spaces are safe.
More than 50 business have already signed up – including the NEC Group, the HMV Empire in Coventry, and Kings Heath’s iconic Hare and Hounds pub.
Now West Midlands Mayor Andy Street and WMCA Night Time Economy Advisor Alex Claridge are encouraging more councils, businesses, venues and other organisations to sign the charter and help improve women’s safety.
The charter’s measures, which include plans to appoint a Women’s Night Safety Champion for the West Midlands, are part of a new bold vision for how a safe and thriving night-time economy can operate in the region.
Mayor Andy Street said: “We are fortunate in the West Midlands to have an incredible night time economy, but it’s clear we need to do more both to support the hospitality sector and improve night time safety.
“That’s why I appointed a new night time economy advisor in Alex, and why one of our first actions together is to launch this charter as part of our plans to improve women’s safety across the West Midlands.
“The charter has real practical actions to help bolster women’s safety – including businesses providing better training and awareness – which is why we’re encouraging as many places as possible to sign up and implement the charter’s recommendations. Day or night, everyone in the West Midlands has a right to feel safe.
“The West Midlands can be and will be a haven for safe, fun experiences on both an emotional and physical level.”
Visit https://www.wmca.org.uk/what-we-do/economy-and-innovation/night-time-economy/west-midlands-women-s-night-safety-charter/ to sign up.
