All Men Have a Role in Ending Misogynistic Violence
Graeme has become a local Ambassador for the campaign to get more men speaking out on the issue of violence against women.
The White Ribbon Campaign began in Canada in 1991, following a horrific misogynistic shooting attack at a Montreal college in which 14 women were murdered. In response, a small group of local men got together with the aim of highlighting the motives for the attack and standing against male violence against women and girls.
The campaign has since become a global movement, with representation in over 70 countries, focussed on men raising their voices on the subject of gendered violence and confronting its roots in misogynistic views and sexual entitlement.
Since 2006, following the Involving Men conference in Dundee, White Ribbon Scotland encourages men to sign the pledge never to commit, condone or remain silent about violence against women in all its forms.
White Ribbon Ambassadors help to promote the campaign by using their platform to communicate its key messages and encourage others to sign the Pledge. Graeme committed to the role ahead of his attendance at a White Ribbon Scotland reception in the Scottish Parliament on Thursday 4th May, where he met with members of the Angus campaign’s steering group.
I am pleased to become an Angus Ambassador for this incredibly important campaign.
GRAEME
This is evidently not a ‘women’s issue’ – most men do not commit violence against women, but all have a role to play in ending it.
We know from statistics that the majority of domestic violence and sexual violence has a male perpetrator and a female victim, and the problem is underpinned by gender inequality and by views around which there is a level of acceptance of among the male population more widely.
I would encourage more men to sign the Pledge, and to investigate the White Ribbon ‘active bystander’ approach to challenging misogyny and harassment when it is encountered in public.
Graeme Dey’s support as the Angus South MSP is very welcome.
IAN ANGUS, OF THE WHITE RIBBON ANGUS STEERING GROUP
The involvement of community leaders of various kinds is of real importance in helping to raise awareness of the campaign.
Angus was well represented at the Holyrood reception, which saw good discussion of the work being done across Scotland and talks from other campaign ambassadors, trustees and representatives of partner organisations.
Locally we are looking for more men to join as volunteers in various roles, and I would encourage anyone interested to get in touch by emailing protectingpeopleangus@angus.gov.uk.
