The WI and Joyce Watson MS call on men and boys to speak out against male violence towards women

Ahead of the launch of the 2021 Not in my Name campaign, the National Federation of Women’s Institutes (NFWI)-Wales and Joyce Watson MS are calling on men and boys to make a stand against male violence towards women.

The annual Not in my Name campaign, established by NFWI-Wales and Joyce Watson MS in 2012, involves the recruitment of male ambassadors to challenge the attitudes and behaviours that lead to violence against women and to make the White Ribbon promise to ‘never commit, excuse or remain silent about male violence against women’.

Over the years, the campaign has gathered the support of male choirs and sports clubs across Wales, Cardiff Devils ice hockey team, the Welsh Rugby Union, Glamorgan Cricket, Olympian Christian Malcolm and others.

This year’s Not in my Name campaign will be launched on 18 October with an online stakeholder event focusing on the impact of gender-based violence on children and young people.

To mark the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, which runs from 25 November to 10 December, a cross-party stakeholder event will take place online on 22 November followed by a candlelight vigil at the Senedd starting at 6pm to show solidarity with victims of violence against women across the world.

Eirian Roberts, Chair of NFWI-Wales said:

“Violence against women is endemic across the world. Tragic events, such as the recent murders of Sabina Messa and Sarah Everard, have highlighted that much more needs to be done to end violence against women so that women are able to live their lives free from the fear of violence, harassment and abuse.

“Men must be part of the solution. Engaging men and boys is crucial in challenging the inequalities and attitudes that contribute to violence against women. Men can be agents of change and play a part as positive role models to help us achieve a culture change where violence against women is not tolerated by society.”

Joyce Watson MS said:

“Now more than ever I urge men to step up and speak out.

“Sarah Everard’s killer displayed abhorrent behaviour long before her murder. Though many tried to act on this, he was still able to continue down his path.

“And that act was not isolated. At least 112 UK women have been killed by men so far this year.[1]

“Male ambassadors are playing a huge role in changing attitudes, and I urge more to come forward to help tackle violence against women and girls.”

The 2021 Not in my Name campaign is delighted to have secured the support of the Cardiff Devils, who have pledged their support over previous years, including attending the campaign’s launch event at the Senedd in 2012 and raising awareness at their home games.

Todd Kelman, Managing Director, Cardiff Devils said:

“The prevalence of violence against women is alarming and unacceptable. The Cardiff Devils are pleased once again to pledge their support for the Not in my Name campaign and to call for an end to violence against women.”