Worldwide women and girls experience all forms of sexual violence. In public spaces; from verbal abuse and unwanted touching to rape and femicide. From our streets, in and around schools, public transport, workplaces, parks, public toilets and other spaces both urban and rural, to being on and offline. The global pandemic and ensuing government Lockdowns greatly increased the violence and abuse women and girls experienced.

Glasgow is now undergoing major structural change to mitigate against the challenges of climate change and to comply with the UN's Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). Gender Equality and the empowerment of all women and girls is Goal 5. According to the UN the world is not on track to achieve gender equality by 2030, the previous commitment.

Wise Women is facing this challenge by developing our Safer Steps programme. We have worked with a number of organisations from across all sectors, including Councillors, Maryhill Housing Association, Sustrans and Balfour Beatty. We are listening to women and are striving to ensure their voices are at the centre of the decision-making process. Ultimately increasing women's safety together for future generations of women and girls.