Young men speak up against misogyny for annual campaign

The campaign invites everyone, but especially men, to make the White Ribbon Promise – to never use, excuse or remain silent about violence against women.

This year’s theme is ‘We Speak Up’, focusing on encouraging men to use their voices to create a world where everyone is safe and respected.

Leeds youth service offers a supportive setting for boys and girls, where harmful attitudes can be challenged and young people are supported to explore the impact of their actions on themselves and others.

The service is taking an active role in raising conversations around violence against women and girls with young men, in a safe space where they can grow and learn together.

For White Ribbon Day, the groups have been encouraged to consider how their actions impact the safety of those around them, and how they have a role to play in making sure that women and girls feel safe.

One 14-year-old boy said that “no woman should be harassed or made to feel uncomfortable” and another boy of the same age added that “girls feel less safe on the street than boys do, and I think it should come to an end”.

The group has also taken a pledge together to show respect and not cause harm and to never use physical or psychological violence.

Another boy said that he is speaking up as part of the campaign because “kids shouldn’t see their mum being harassed or abused”.

A 21-year-old man also added that “if a guy sees another guy disrespecting a girl, or anyone, he should stand up against it.”

White Ribbon Day is followed by 16 Days of Activism, an annual international campaign that calls for the prevention and elimination of violence against women and girls. This year’s theme is ‘End digital violence against all women and girls’.

An action day will be taking place on 29 November, with representatives at the Woodhouse Moor parkrun and along the Otley Run route, to promote the campaigns and women’s safety initiatives.

Leeds City Council is a White Ribbon-accredited organisation, meaning it demonstrates an ongoing commitment to ending violence against women and girls, having launched several safety initiatives. One of these is a partnership with the WalkSafe app, a free app promoting safe walking at night in the city.

Last week, a Stop the Spike campaign was launched in the city, where nightlife venues are provided with training and resources to help staff recognise the signs of spiking and respond effectively.  

Local events and activities are also planned around the city during the 16 days.

Councillor Sharon Hamilton, Leeds City Council’s deputy executive member for community safety and lead for the women's safety agenda, said:

“We are proud to be a White Ribbon-accredited organisation. Tackling violence against women and girls is a key priority for us and is something we will continue to work hard on together with West Yorkshire Police and other partners. It will not be tolerated in our city.

“It’s great to hear the young men working with our youth service speaking up about these topics. We all need to be better at not letting people get away with misogyny in any form, and speaking up when something is not right.”

ENDS

The 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence is an annual international campaign that commences on 25 November, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, and runs until 10 December, International Human Rights Day. The campaign spans these 16 days to highlight the link between abuse and violence against women and human rights. 

White Ribbon Day is also marked on 25 November and the start of the 16 Days of Activism. On White Ribbon Day everyone, but especially men, is invited to make the White Ribbon Promise. That is: to never use, excuse or remain silent about violence against women. White Ribbon began in 1991 to engage men in the prevention of violence.