Tender: Pilot Street Safety Project for Violence Against Women and Girls — Theatre-Led Performances, Bystander Training and Communications

About

This commission is seeking a theatre group to lead a pilot street safety project addressing Violence Against Women and Girls, involving young women and girls in workshops to develop and deliver street-based performances, commissioning a specialist group to ensure trauma-informed practice throughout delivery, and providing bystander intervention training and a communications campaign to increase reach. The programme responds to local and national evidence that VAWG is a significant issue for young people: 182 young women raised concerns about gender-based violence, sexism and harassment; 158 young women identified feeling at risk from boys and men because of their gender; 51% of girls aged 13 to 18 received unwanted sexual comments (33% of those aged 13–14); 29% revealed they first experienced sexual harassment between ages 11 and 13; and a 2023 Plan International survey found over three quarters of young women and girls avoid activities and change behaviours during summer to reduce unwanted sexual attention. The theatre group will take the lead from research and development through to delivery and evaluation, alongside community training and communications to strengthen the message.