If it’s the 25th November, the answer is – A Lot!
The 25th November marks the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and Girls.
It’s the day we begin our 16 Days of Activism but it’s also the day for other groups to make their stand in making the world a safer place for women and girls.
November 25th is White Ribbon Day – when men show their year-long commitment to ending violence against women and girls.
An increasing number of men and boys are feeling empowered to make this pledge to help change the harmful attitudes and behaviours that contribute to VAWG.
BBC News reported on the Milton Keynes 5th Annual White Ribbon Vigil held on 25th November under the national theme, “It starts with men”Find out more about White Ribbon here:- https://www.whiteribbon.org.uk/wrd24
Here in Kenilworth, as part of our 16 Days of Activism, we also gave men the opportunity to show their commitment to ending violence against women and girls by signing a poster incorporating the pledge. In the space of three hours on the morning of the 25th, more than 54 signatures were made by those who are prepared to act as role models in changing harmful attitudes and behaviours.
November 25th was chosen as the day the Prime Minister announced plans to make spiking a drink a specific criminal offence as part of the government’s crackdown on violence against women and girls.
She told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme that people should “just go up to a woman … and say is everything alright where safe to do so.” Jess Phillips’ words echo the safe intervention strategies incorporated in the Suzy Lamplugh Trust’s training programme. More information about this can be seen on another of our posts here:- Would you, could you – step in to stop harassment?
November 25th may not be the day when we put an end to violence against women and girls, but it’s the day we mark the raising of awareness and the will to do so. With each pledge, each willingness to be a role model for respecting women, each impulse to safely step in and help a woman at risk, and each law that recognises the *’epidemic level’ of VAWG, that day draws nearer.
*Source: The Guardian Monday 22nd July 2024. You can read the article here:-
Violence against women a ‘national emergency’ in England and Wales, police say