Lordo Provost Jacqueline McLaren is part of the campaign as part of the Carter Center’s Inform Women, Transform Lives initiative which is a global effort to increase the number of women accessing critical information.
A short film entitled ‘Where We Stop’ written by actor and writer Molly Geddes is at the centre of the campaign.
The six-minute film was written by Ms Geddes in partnership with a series of focus groups and script writing workings with girls and young women from across the city to ensure it has a strong impact as well as being sensitive.
It tackles the violence head on and highlights the experiences of those affected by the issue, including the theme of coercive control and domestic abuse for young women.
It follows the main character, Sophie, and her friends on their usual bus route and in their usual seats.
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The group discussing Sophie’s upcoming date with Jack and it then cuts to their first date before going on an intense timelapse of their relationship to show his behaviour become increasingly coercive, controlling and abusive.
The final scene then features a call-to-action and signposts viewers to Sophie’s Stop – an app built in partnership between Glasgow Girls Club and Glasgow City Council – with guidance and information.
By exploring often-overlooked early warning signs of abuse and relationship coercion and challenging the misconception that these issues primarily affect older women, the film’s powerful storytelling aims to resonate with young women, challenging harmful stereotypes and encouraging them to take action.
Ms Geddes said: “I’m incredibly grateful to have been part of this project. My main drive for creating this film was the lack of media around domestic abuse, that specifically centred young women.
“I hope that ‘Where We Stop’ can shed light on the issue of violence against women and girls and help people find support. This is a massive full circle moment for me, both personally and professionally, and to see the impact this process has already had on young women is magic.”
The city’s Lord Provost added: “As Lord Provost of Glasgow, I’m extremely proud to have led on the Carter Initiative – Inform Women, Transform Lives. Standing in solidarity with a wider international network of cities with the common purpose of empowering women.
“Glasgow’s glad to have been able to work collaboratively with a series of committed stakeholders alongside young women across the city keen to inform, shape and take ownership of this campaign. It’s been an inspiring, energising and positive journey. We’re thrilled to have made such progress and proud to stand shoulder to shoulder with women across the globe.
“I know this exciting, dynamic and imaginative campaign has the potential to be a powerful liberating and educational resource for all our young women. It’s been an amazing creative and learning process that I’m confident will prove a leading legacy programme. A catalyst for real change, enlightenment and engagement surrounding how we all address Violence Against Women.”
(Image: Colin Mearns/The Herald)
Glasgow Girls Club Founder & Director, Amy Rew, who was a producer on the film and has also coordinated the communications media planning on behalf of Glasgow City Council said: “We’re incredibly proud to launch this powerful campaign raising awareness about Violence Against Women and Girls. By providing essential information about City Services and resources, we aim to better equip young women to recognise forms and signs of the issue, seek appropriate support, and know they’re not alone. Our goal is to give young women access to information that can help them live better lives.”
It comes as First Minister John Swinney highlighted the importance of engaging and educating young people on the importance of healthy and respectful relationships.
A report showing the progress organisations have made to prevent abuse and support survivors will be published on Monday and will highlight an increase in the number of children and young people who have accessed education and awareness-raising workshops.
First Minister John Swinney said: “Gender-based abuse and violence has no place in modern Scotland and we are committed to eradicating it.
“As First Minister, but also as a husband and a father, I am proud to support the 16 Days of Activism campaign and recognise the vital role that men need to play in tackling violence against women and girls, including challenging abusive behaviour wherever it occurs.
“The Scottish theme for this year’s 16 Days of Activism is “Imagine a Scotland without Gender-Based Violence”, and the only way we can realise that is by ensuring the next generation are equipped to spot abusive behaviour and call it out.”
Equalities Minister Kaukab Stewart said: “Our focus is on preventing abuse before it occurs, as well as improving support services for survivors and ensuring the justice response is robust and well-equipped to deal with abuse when it occurs.
“The work that grassroots organisations across the country are delivering to teach young people about consent and healthy relationships and empower them to stand against harmful gender stereotypes is vital. We are determined to help them build on that progress.
“This is at the heart of building the kind of society we want to see, where everyone can live free from gender-based violence.”
For more information and to see the film, go to
