Shape a new project in Trafford making public spaces safe and welcoming for women and girls

By GreaterSport and Trafford Safer Streets Partnership | 16 September 2022 | TAGS: Trafford, Walking, Women and girls, Inclusion, safer streets

A new project in Trafford is to explore ways to make streets and public spaces safe and welcoming so that women and girls feel they belong and can be active residents.

The event, on October 4 at Trafford College, will provide an opportunity for anyone to come and help shape the project, made possible thanks to nearly £500,000 of Home Office funding.

Attendees will be able to learn more about the project ambitions, the partners involved so far, and how they can help inform, shape and support this important initiative.

The Trafford Safer Streets partnership, including GreaterSport, Trafford Council and Open Data Manchester, are putting the local community at the heart of the project.

Everyone has a role to play, whether they live or work in Trafford, are passionate about this agenda or an organisation wanting to support more women and girls enjoy active lives.

Trafford is renowned for its sports and culture and were recently the proud hosts for the opening game of the Women’s European Championships on 6 July where England beat Austria 1-0.

Local women, girls, and women’s organisations have described the project as a ‘once-in-a-lifetime’ opportunity to raise awareness of their experience of violence against women and girls, in particular street harassment.

These are both seen as major barriers to them accessing and participating in football, other sports and cultural events in the Trafford area.  

Eve Holt, Strategic Director at GreaterSport, said:

“This project provides an opportunity to involve people and partners in place and to grow as a movement for change. There is a role for everyone.

“We’ll be testing out various interventions, including participatory street audits, arts installations and bystander training.

“And we’ll be spreading and growing the conversation, to include mass walks and cycle rides, and a podcast series for men and boys to share what they are doing to help shift culture and behaviour.

Trafford Councillor Joanne Harding (Executive Member for Culture, Leisure and Strategic Partnerships) added:

 “This is great news for everyone in our borough. One of our main priorities is that all our communities are happy, healthy and safe and this funding will do a lot to secure that.

“No-one should face barriers to being involved in the many culture and sport opportunities Trafford has to offer just because they don’t feel safe getting there.

“Therefore, it’s massively important that the funding we have helped secure is used to make sure our sport and cultural events are accessible, and women and girls are safe and feel safe when walking our streets.” 

Sign-up to attend here.