GMHP supports Greater Manchester’s #IsThisOK campaign

GMHP is proud to support the #IsThisOK campaign, launched on Monday the 4 August by Mayor Andy Burnham and Kate Green, Deputy Mayor of Greater Manchester for Safer and Stronger Communities.

This important initiative aims to challenge and change the behaviours of men and boys that contribute to the sexual harassment of women and girls in public spaces.

The campaign is a key part of Greater Manchester’s 10-year Gender-Based Violence Strategy, which outlines a bold commitment to tackling all forms of gender-based violence across the city region. Central to this work is the recognition that real change begins with men and boys acknowledging their role and responsibility in creating safer environments for women and girls.

The #IsThisOK campaign launches with a thought-provoking video, developed in collaboration with women’s groups and young people. It highlights the lived experiences of women and girls navigating public spaces and poses a direct challenge to the viewer: “Do you think this is OK?”

By confronting behaviours often dismissed as minor or every-day, the campaign encourages a wider conversation about what constitutes sexual harassment and why cultural change is essential. As Mayor Burnham has made clear, it is no longer acceptable for women and girls to carry the burden of avoiding harassment; the responsibility must shift to men and boys to reflect on, and if necessary, change their actions.

Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham said: “#IsThisOK? has been one of the most important and impactful campaigns that we have run in Greater Manchester. I launched the campaign back in 2021 because I knew we needed to do something to start a new conversation about women’s safety and drive behaviour change amongst men, lads and boys. Women and girls have had to tolerate unacceptable behaviour for far too long, and I want to make it clear that it does not have a place here or anywhere else.”

At GMHP, we are committed to supporting initiatives that drive meaningful social change and promote safety, respect, and equality across Greater Manchester, and our members are promoting the #IsThisOK campaign across their customers, colleagues and wider stakeholders.

Kate Green, Deputy Mayor of Greater Manchester for Safer and Stronger Communities, said: “The next phase of the #IsThisOk? campaign is a vital step in helping people across Greater Manchester recognise coercive and controlling behaviour, and how they can get support. The campaign supports our wider Gender-Based Violence Strategy by raising awareness of hidden forms of abuse, challenging harmful attitudes, and encouraging safe, informed action from friends, families and communities. Together, we’re working to make Greater Manchester a place where abuse is never ignored or accepted.”