White Ribbon Day takes place on Tuesday, November 25
Hannah Corken Executive Editor
13:07, 24 Nov 2025
Jordan Coombes is one of 16 White Ribbon Ambassadors featured in We Speak Up – a creative collaboration between national charity White Ribbon UK and award-winning photographer Claudia Janke.(Image: White Ribbon UK/Claudia Janke)
A prison officer from Hull has been photographed as part of a national portrait series highlighting the men who are speaking up to help end men’s violence against women and girls. Jordan Coombes, 33, who works as an offender manager in the prison service, is one of 16 White Ribbon Ambassadors featured in We Speak Up – a creative collaboration between national charity White Ribbon UK and award-winning photographer Claudia Janke.
The campaign brings together 16 men from across the UK who have chosen to use their voices to speak up against misogyny, harassment and harmful gender stereotypes in everyday life. The portraits are for White Ribbon Day, which is on November 25, and the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence with a different man being revealed each day throughout this period.
Jordan, commenting about how men can take the steps to become an ally and speak up for women, said: “The first thing men can do is educate themselves. Have a bit of self reflection.
“For some people, those behaviours never change, and it continues. It’s taking that step back and having a look, both at yourself and other people around you and thinking, “If that was my mother, if that was my daughter, if that was my wife, should she be treated that way? If that was me, and I was a female in that position, would I be treated that way?”
The portrait series, which will go on display in Milton Keynes later this month, includes ambassadors from a wide range of backgrounds – from lawyers and public servants to mentors and community leaders – each sharing what being an ally means to them and how change can begin with everyday action. The portraits were created by Claudia Janke, a London-based artist who has spent more than two decades documenting human rights and women’s equality movements worldwide.
Using a traditional instant box camera, the slow, analogue process encourages stillness and connection between photographer and sitter – echoing the collaboration needed to bring about real change. Speaking about the project, Claudia said: After two decades working on projects highlighting violence against women and girls, I created this project to call men in as allies.
“Through this work, I finally met men willing to step up, who understood that it starts with them and that it is their responsibility to be part of the change. Hearing their motivations and seeing their commitment was moving and powerful.”
Lynne Elliot, Chief Executive of White Ribbon UK, said: “It’s brilliant to see Jordan speaking up in his role as a White Ribbon UK Ambassador in Hull and the wider North East. We’re seeing more men from all backgrounds using their voices to stand up for women and girls in everyday situations, and Ambassadors like Jordan help make speaking up the norm.
“This is so important in challenging and changing the culture that enables violence against women and girls. Every time someone stays silent, it’s a missed opportunity to stand up for what’s right.”
The We Speak Up portraits will be on display at centre:mk shopping centre in Milton Keynes, from November 25 to December 10 2025 to coincide with White Ribbon Day and the UN’s 16 Days of Activism.
Meanwhile, a series of events will be held across the East Riding across the 16 days, to mark the White Ribbon campaign and the days of action. The events, supported by East Riding of Yorkshire Council, form part of the White Ribbon campaign, a charity that campaigns on ending violence against women and girls.
Events include a vigil on Tuesday 25 November, in Beverley, organised by Women’s Institute Beverley and Beverley Town Council, with support of East Riding of Yorkshire Council. East Riding of Yorkshire Council’s Domestic Violence and Abuse Partnership service will be in attendance with an information stand, to provide resources and support.
East Riding residents are also encouraged to sign up to an online webinar on Tuesday 25 November, by founders and pioneers of the White Ribbon UK campaign, about how to engage with men and boys in the prevention of men’s violence against women. There will also be a school poster competition for schools across the region, and advice stalls and training sessions across the region including in Bridlington, Beverley and Withernsea.
The White Ribbon campaign will culminate at an ‘East Riding Speaks Up’ event on Wednesday 10 December at Bridlington Spa, which will bring together individuals, organisations, and services from across the region to raise awareness, share lived experiences and inspire action. The day will include keynote speeches from Lisa Squire, mother of Libby Squire and founder of Libby’s Legacy and the It Does Matter campaign, as well as from Luke Medcalf from White Ribbon UK.
Councillor Lyn Healing, East Riding of Yorkshire Council cabinet member for communities and public protection said “We are dedicated to the White Ribbon campaign and combatting violence against women and girls. We encourage residents to sign up and take part in the wide range of activities taking part for this vital cause.”
More information on the White Ribbon campaign can be found here.
For more information about our Communities in Motion Active Bystander training, or how to organise for your organisation or group, please contact daspteam@eastriding.gov.uk.
Where to get help
If you are experiencing issues around this topic please reach out. If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, please call 999 otherwise:
- For support for anyone experiencing domestic violence or abuse, or wanting to change their harmful behaviours towards others in their relationships: East Riding Domestic Violence and Abuse Partnership can be found here or by calling 01482 396 358
- You can report any VAWG crimes, sexual assault, harassment, stalking, or other VAWG related offences, to Humberside Police: Online Reporting : Report rape, sexual assault and other sexual offences | Humberside Police
