ORGANISATIONS from across Worcester came together to stand against violence towards women and girls at a special White Ribbon event.
The event last Friday (November 25) marked the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and Girls – a day which kickstarts 16 days of activism and education to end male violence.
Worcester Community Trust hosted the event and had representatives from organisations across the county, including West Mercia Women’s Aid, West Mercia Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Centre, Victim Support, Rooftop Housing, Platform Housing, Action for Children, Onside, Suicide Prevention, PAUSE and YSS.
One of the event’s guest speakers, Michael Conroy from Men at Work, said educating boys was a key aspect of eliminating violence.
“From a very young age, many boys are exposed to potentially damaging messages around what is expected of them to ‘be a man’.
“Whether it’s from toys they play with, media they are exposed to, or the way they are spoken to by adults, many of the boys and young men I work with believe they should grow up to be strong, be the provider of the household, and to not show their emotions.
“Through youth work and other avenues, I believe it is important that we show boys and young men that they do not need to follow restrictive ‘rules’ of being a man, and that it is ok to be themselves, support their friends emotionally and to ask for help and support when they need it.
“The aim is to support boys in being safe and safe to be around, and a key part of that means not growing up with a belief that men are superior to women.”
As part of the proceeding White Ribbon events, a march called ‘Reclaim the night’ is taking place in Worcester to protest of all forms of male violence against women and children will take place on Thursday (December 8).
People are being encouraged to meet at 6.30pm in Angel Place.
Jon Newey, CEO of Worcester Community Trust added: “This is an incredibly important event for bringing together the organisations in the county, including WCT, who are in the position to address gender inequalities.
“We must do more to stop the abuse, starting with youth work – I would encourage all men to make the White Ribbon Promise – to never use, excuse or remain silent about men’s violence against women.”
