A councillor in Walsall has spoken out about the intimidation and abuse that women were subjected to when heading to the polling stations in May.
Councillor Hajran Bashir was just one of a handful of councillors who shared their experience of gender-based violence at a meeting on July 27.
The comments were made in response to Reform’s appointment of a White Ribbon Champion, Councillor Nicky Barker – a role designed to highlight and tackle male violence against women and girls.
Several councillors congratulated the leaders and spoke openly about their first hand experiences of the matter.
Councillor Hajran Bashir said: “Both myself and my fellow female candidates were subjected to harassment, intimidation and online abuse throughout the election campaign.
“On polling day the behaviour was so severe that many female residents felt uncomfortable and intimidated by groups of men standing outside polling stations.
“My fellow candidate was subject to such intimidation that she had to run into the polling station out of fear.
“Some women chose not to cast their vote as a result. I personally escorted several women to polling stations because they didn’t feel confident attending alone.
“Following the elections many women spoke to me about how intimidated they felt seeing groups of men gathered outside polling stations and on the surrounding streets. No woman should feel fearful when exercising their democratic right to vote.
“What saddened me most was the lack of condemnation. Very few people challenged this behaviour. That silence meant that the actions continued unchecked.
“People in politics have a responsibility and should not be seen to support people like the toxic influencer Andrew Tate. When you see people in power standing next to him in photographs, it doesn’t send a good message to our young boys.”
Councillor Simran Cheema choked up as she congratulated Reform on the appointment.
She said: “Far too many women suffer in silence and finding the courage to report abuse is incredibly difficult.
“When women do come forward, too many face barriers. Whether it’s fear of not being believed, delays in accessing support or navigating complex systems in one of the most vulnerable times of their lives.
“I hope this appointment will strengthen the council’s commitment to ensuring that Walsall is the borough where women and girls can live free from fear, and where everyone plays a part in ending violence and harassment against women and girls.”
Councillor Kara Babb added: “I would like to speak out about harassment and abuse to women within our society as someone who has been subject to this kind of abuse both in a domestic situation and in past relationships.
“I wish to express my admiration to all those brave women who stand up to men and boys and stand their ground in this increasingly difficult society.”
Councillor Amrik Dhesy said: “I support this initiative. I’d like to draw attention to violence towards women within the borough. Particularly the horrific attack on the Sikh lady that took place a few months ago.
“I would also like to commend the work of Park Hall Neighbourhood Watch who have done absolutely fantastic work in supporting that lady and other ladies in the borough.”
Councillor Tim Wilson said: “Violence against women and girls has no place in our communities and tackling it is everyone’s responsibility, not just women’s.”
Councillor Aftab Nawaz said: “Domestic violence impacts on every section of our society, and every strata of the system. As a council we need to speak with one voice and I’m happy that we will on this.”
Councillor Peter Burton added: “I have worked in a number of roles with young men to educate them around domestic abuse and also worked with the young children who were involved in exploitation. It’s a massive problem. It’s a hidden problem.
“I’m sure everyone in this room has got their own story. We need to work together as a council to educate people and stamp it out.”
Councillor Alan Fleming, a former police officer, said: “I’ve been involved with investigating and dealing with domestic abuse for 28 years. I run a charity at the moment, a refuge centre for women and children, and I’m really pleased to see that Walsall Council are supporting this move.”
Leader of the council, Councillor Elaine Williams added: “I’d like to thank everyone who spoke in favour of the White Ribbon Champion. I recognise from my own personal experience as well which is why this is so necessary. I’m delighted that Councillor Barker has accepted the position.”
Councillor Barker said the appointment was an honour: “Violence against women and girls is an issue that affects too many people in our communities. While it’s vital that we continue to support victims and survivors, we must do more to prevent abuse from happening in the first place.”
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