Domestic Abuse Alliance head of external relations, Rosie, shares why she is a White Ribbon Champion, and how we all have a role to play in ending violence against women and girls.
“White Ribbon UK is the leading charity engaging men and boys to end violence against women and girls. I am a White Ribbon Champion because ending men’s violence against women and girls is something I feel passionately about. By being a Champion, I want to raise awareness and challenge the root causes of violence – harmful and dominant expressions of masculinity including attitudes, systems and behaviours.”
“I have a young son, and I want him to grow up learning how to be part of the solution to creating a fairer and safer society for women.”
- Teaching young men about gender equality can help them challenge harmful stereotypes and engage in constructive conversations.
- Teaching conflict resolution skills can help young men address issues without resorting to aggression.
- Intervening at a young age can help break cultural cycles of violence against women and girls.
- Teaching young men to be active bystanders and friends to each other can help them influence other men and boys.
- Teaching young men how to create healthy relationships can help them create safer and more equitable workplaces.
“25th November is annually marked as White Ribbon Day, and also the United Nations’ Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. It is followed by 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence. This is an opportunity for men to reflect on their own attitudes and behaviours and those of their friends, family and colleagues. It’s also an important time to focus on how everyone can be part of preventing men’s violence against women and what we can all do to make a difference.”
“On White Ribbon Day 2024, It Starts with Men. Starting with men, we must address the attitudes and behaviours that contribute to a fear of violence for women in their day-to-day lives. We can all help to prevent men’s violence against women and girls. We need to start by disrupting harmful behaviours and attitudes that are often dismissed as so-called ‘banter ’or ‘harmless’. These seemingly ‘harmless’ acts perpetuate violence and foster a culture of acceptance around sexism, harassment, and abuse.”
“We all have a part to play in normalising conversations that challenge harmful attitudes and behaviours that prevent people from living full, healthy lives. We can do this by:
- Remembering the phrase, ‘I’m not OK with that,’ to use when confronted by so-called ‘banter’ and sexist ‘jokes’ to disrupt and redirect harmful conversations.
- Promoting equality by challenging the status quo of what it means to ‘be a man’ and to ‘be a woman.’
- Having open conversations with our friends, family and colleagues about ending men’s violence against women and girls.
- Learning about what it means to be allies to women, and how we can speak up and be active in preventing violence.
- Knowing where to find help, and sharing support with our friends, family and colleagues.
- Wearing a White Ribbon can act as an important conversation starter.
- Making the White Ribbon Promise to; never use, excuse or remain silent about men’s violence again.
“Together we can prevent violence against women and girls. It Starts with Men.”
For more information, resources, and ways to get involved this White Ribbon Day, please visit the White Ribbon UK website: www.whiteribbon.org.uk
The WEPROTECT referral service accelerates access to legal support and protection for those living with abuse, to help them break the cycle.
