The Ministry of Equality has commissioned Kindling Interventions UK to deliver a programme of evidence-based bystander intervention training in Gibraltar. This initiative forms part of the Ministry’s programme of work to mark the 25 November which is the United Nations International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women and supports its wider commitment to preventing violence against women and girls.

The programme will include Bystander at Work® training, delivered through HM Government of Gibraltar’s Department of Personnel and Development and open to employees across the Civil Service and wider public service.

The training will help participants recognise inappropriate and harmful behaviour and develop the confidence and practical skills needed to respond safely and constructively in a range of scenarios. It will also explore how everyday interactions can influence workplace culture and how active bystanders can contribute to more respectful and inclusive working environments.

A community taster session entitled Lead the Change: Preventing Violence Against Women and Girls will also be offered to local charities and non-governmental organisations. The session, which will take place on Monday 23rd November, from 2pm to 4pm, will introduce participants to the role that individuals and community organisations can play in challenging the attitudes, behaviours and social norms that can enable gender-based violence. Charities and NGOS wishing to participate can contact: equality.events@gibraltar.gov.gi or tel: 200 66819. Registration is essential and spaces are limited.

Kindling Interventions specialises in active bystander training designed to empower people to respond skilfully to harmful behaviour and help create healthier and more equitable cultures.

The Minister for Equality, the Hon Christian Santos GMD MP, said: “Bystander intervention is an important preventative tool because it equips individuals to recognise harmful behaviour and respond safely and appropriately. Creating meaningful change requires all of us to consider the role we can play in challenging the attitudes and behaviours that we encounter in our workplaces and communities.

"As we look ahead to the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, this programme reinforces the importance of prevention, education and collective responsibility in addressing violence against women and girls.

"I am particularly pleased that this programme will reach the Civil Service, wider public service, charities and NGOs. Each strand has been designed for a different audience, enabling us to develop skills across workplaces, strengthen community participation and deepen professional understanding of the evidence behind this approach.”