Joyce and the WI urge men and boys to ‘step up and speak out’ against male violence towards women

A local Senedd Member is working with the WI to change attitudes to male violence against women.

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

The annual Not in my Name campaign recruits male ambassadors to challenge the attitudes and behaviours that lead to violence against women. It asks them to make the White Ribbon promise to ‘never commit, excuse or remain silent about male violence against women’. 

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

Other events include a Senedd vigil on Monday 22 November and Joyce Watson leading a candlelight vigil in Haverfordwest at 3pm on Saturday 27 November.

“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.” 

The 2021 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 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.”   

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. This will be followed by a 6pm candlelight vigil at the Senedd in Cardiff Bay, to show solidarity with victims of violence against women across the world.