A UNIQUE scheme to empower women and girls in Keighley is now under way.
The E5 project was launched at Central Hall, Alice Street.
It aims to help women and girls who may be lacking in self-esteem, vulnerable or those who could be at risk of sexual exploitation, grooming, forced marriage or domestic abuse.
The project concentrates on prevention and tackles the threat posed by child sexual exploitation through awareness-raising while providing the tools to develop confidence, and skills necessary for making good life choices.
Organisations involved with E5 include the lead group Keighley Association for Women and Children’s Centre (KAWACC), Joint Activities & Motor Education Service, Inter-cultural Communication & Leadership School and Keighley & Ilkley Voluntary Community Action.
KAWACC manager Naz Kazmi said: "We believe we all have a moral duty to address and prevent violence against women and girls, so this project will work with schools, community organisations, faith networks, strategic planners and youth groups.
"Given the intense media profile of child sexual exploitation cases in and around Keighley, it is the right time to engage the whole community of Keighley with how to keep our children, girls and women safe.
"We know this will not be easy, but we feel it is time to begin the process of challenging negative stereotypes and assumptions about women and girls."
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