Support surges with more big names joining Women’s Charter as campaign nears 100 members

From large employers to charities, organisations across Northamptonshire are continuing to sign-up to the Northamptonshire Women’s Charter, as the campaign approaches 100 signatories.

Northamptonshire Sport, Greencore and Baby Basics Northampton are among the latest names to throw their weight behind the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner’s campaign.

These organisations pledge to meet Danielle Stone’s mission to halve violence against women and girls while taking workplace action to improve policy, support women’s safety and amplify voices.

Northamptonshire Sport

Northamptonshire Sport is among them and Danielle went along to hear about how they’re creating inclusive spaces so more people can lead active and healthier lifestyles in the county.

Matthew Peleszok, Strategic Lead for inequalities from the charity said: “We’re proud to be part of the Women’s Charter. Through our work across Northamptonshire, we know that women and girls face a range of barriers to being active, including concerns around safety, confidence and feeling welcome in certain environments.

“We’re also proud of the women across our organisation and the contribution they make to communities and projects throughout Northamptonshire. Signing up to the Charter reflects our commitment to keep listening, working with partners, and helping create safer, more inclusive spaces across sport and physical activity.”

The Women’s Charter was launched in December and already has 97 signatories – others include a railway operator, housing association, sports clubs and Members of Parliament.

After signing up, they each get access to a free, exclusive Charter Toolkit including practical steps – such as survey support, bespoke training packages and policy guidance – to prevent harm and capture the changes women want to see.

Greencore

Greencore, one of Northampton’s largest employers of 2,700 staff, which produces sandwiches and sushi for retailers, has also joined.

They have pledged to survey their staff  – using the Women’s Charter Toolkit – to understand how safe their colleagues feel at work or on their commute to see if any improvements to safety can be made.

A Greencore spokesperson said: “We’re proud to support the Commissioner’s safety pledge through the Women’s Charter initiative. Everyone deserves to feel safe and respected. We’re committed to working together to create a safe, inclusive and supportive environment for women across Greencore and in the wider community. This is not only a social responsibility, but a core value at Greencore.”

Baby Basics Northampton

Baby Basics Northampton – who pack emergency Moses baskets filled with supplies for parents and newborns in vulnerable situations – have also come on board. They were visited by Deputy Commissioner Marianne Kimani who heard about their commitment to helping mothers, some escaping domestic abuse.

Chief Executive Sabrina Oakey said: “We are so grateful to be a part of the Northamptonshire Women’s Charter, as it aligns with the service we provide to many families who need support.

“Our Moses baskets are often given to new mothers fleeing domestic abuse and need to be kept safe from harm, and we what we provide is a chance for a safety net. We recognise the importance of keeping women safe, including within our workplace, where we want all staff and volunteers to feel secure and supported.”

Danielle Stone said: “As we get closer to marking the 100th organisation to sign the Women’s Charter, I am grateful for the strength of collective effort shown to support my ambition to drive down violence against women and girls.

“Women’s safety is a shared responsibility for all of us. It is not just about policing, which is why I want to thank my Charter members.  Our partnership work continues to drive forward my mission of keeping women and girls safe, making Northamptonshire the safest county to live in for all of us.”