A school in Warsop has been awarded White Ribbon Accreditation as part of its focus on highlighting male violence against women.

Meden School, part of the Nova Education Trust, was given the status by White Ribbon UK, a leading charity engaging with men and boys to end violence against women.

Associate school leader Kim Hickinbotham said: “Students and staff at the school strongly believe that violence needs to stop. All of us need to speak up and teach one another that violence is never the solution — and together we can make a difference.

“The best place to start is with yourself and as individuals we have pledged to never commit, excuse or remain silent about male violence against women. We, as proud members of Meden School, promise to be part of the solution.”

The school’s pupils have been learning about the importance of this issue and how to raise awareness to prevent violence before it starts.

Lesedi said: “It is important to stand together to end violence against women, because by doing so we give all women the power to stand up for themselves.”

Daniel said: “As a male, it is important to understand about violence against women and let women know that there are men out there that they can get support from and talk to that want to help end violence.”

Leighton said: “It is important to stand up against violence to women because they need respecting. I want my mum and my sister to live in a violence-free world, which is why I am supporting the White Ribbon campaign with my school.”

Gaining White Ribbon Accreditation helps an organisation make a difference in communities to end violence against women and increases the knowledge and skills to address violence against women.

White Ribbon UK say they “act as a catalyst, encouraging people, and especially men and boys, to individually and collectively take action and change behaviour”.

To find out more about White Ribbon UK visit whiteribbon.org.uk.