Uplift Magazine

Men! Wear a White Ribbon today!

By: Sarah Barnes, 25.11.2009 | Comments (0)

As well as being the United Nations Elimination of Violence Against Women Day, today is also White Ribbon Day – a day set up by the White Ribbon Campaign. Each year the campaign urges men and boys to wear a white ribbon for one week, starting today, to mark the International Day for the Eradication of Violence Against Women. Wearing a white ribbon acts as a personal pledge to never commit, condone or remain silent about violence against women.

The campaign is an interesting and much needed one because it takes the onus of responsibility surrounding male violence against women away from women and sees men as part of the solution. Here is some information from the campaign’s educational material;

Why violence against women is also a men’s issue:

• *Men are the main perpetrators of violence
• *The lives of partners, friends, sisters and daughters of men are damaged by violence and abuse
• *Men can speak out and intervene when male friends and relatives insult or attack women
• *Men can help create a culture where the behaviour of a minority, who treat women and girls with contempt or violence, becomes unacceptable
• *Men can examine their own behaviour and consider changes which will create a world based upon gender equality

10 things men can do to help prevent male violence against women:

1. 1. Realise that gender violence is a men’s issue that affects women we care about
2. 2. Never remain silent – confront abusive behaviour of other men
3. 3. Understand how our own attitudes and actions may perpetuate sexism and violence – work towards changing them
4. 4. Offer help and support if we suspect a woman is being threatened
5. 5. Respect women and treat them as equals
6. 6. Ally with women who are working to end all forms of gender violence
7. 7. Speak out against homophobia
8. 8. Educate ourselves about masculinity, gender inequality and the root causes of gender violence
9. 9. Mentor young men about ways to be men that do not involve degrading or abusing women
10. 10. Refuse to purchase any magazines, videos or music that portrays women in a degrading or violent manner

Find out more on the White Ribbon Campaign website