More than a hundred islanders attended the Bailiwick's first Violence Against Women and Girls Symposium today (12 June).

Local campaigner Poppy Murray, collaborated with Guernsey Police, to organise today's 'stepping stone' event at Les Cotils.

Speakers from across the UK discussed how as a community and as individuals, Guernsey can tackle gender-based discrimination and violence.

PC Liam Busby from Thames Valley Police spoke at the event.

As co-chair of the forces' HeForShe gender equality group, he discussed the concept of 'male allyship'.

"Men standing with women, supporting them, enabling them to achieve their absolute potential by removing barriers that may be there.

"It is from the perspective of wanting to live in a better world, in a society that values actually values everybody equally."

PC Liam Busby from Thames Valley Police

He says the topic is relevant to everyone, and disputes claims from some that striving for equity is too liberal or 'woke':

"I don't see what is woke or negative about giving people opportunities and including them in what you are doing.

"Being respectful, compassionate and having empathy is key to being effective."