At The Dash Charity, we’ve been at the forefront of the fight to end violence against women and girls for nearly 50 years, but we can’t do it alone. Men and boys have a critical role to play, and the statistics are clear: 63% of men believe not enough is being done to ensure the safety of women and girls*.
This White Ribbon Day (25 November) , we’re starting the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaign by urging everyone to challenge harmful behaviours like catcalling and raise their voices against inequality and violence. Together, we can build a safer, more equal future.
What is White Ribbon Day?
White Ribbon Day is more than a campaign—it’s a movement to engage men and boys in challenging violence against women.
It also marks the start of 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, led by the UN. This initiative calls on everyone to stand up against harassment, abuse, and harmful behaviours towards women.
This awareness day reminds us that addressing domestic abuse isn’t just a women’s issue – it’s one we all must confront together.
Why men’s involvement matters
Domestic abuse affects everyone. While not all men are perpetrators, it’s hard to find a woman who hasn’t experienced harassment, violence, and fear in their daily lives.
On White Ribbon Day, we’re calling upon men and boys in our communities to raise their voices to raise awareness and end violence against women and girls.
This could be as simple as calling out a friend’s inappropriate comments or challenging harmful stereotypes. Education and prevention starts early, and The Dash Charity engages with young men and boys as well as women and girls – to foster respect and awareness from a young age.
Nicola Miller, CEO at the Dash Charity, says:
“Most women that men know—whether friends, family, or colleagues—will have faced harassment or violence, from cat-calling and sexist comments, to invading women’s spaces, to physical and other types of abusive control. Men’s involvement in challenging these behaviours is crucial.
“We need to make sure men’s voices are as loud as women’s voices in standing up against violence and harassment.”
How you can make a difference
There are many ways to support this important cause during White Ribbon Day and beyond:
- Raise Awareness: Share messages on social media, discuss domestic abuse with your family and colleagues, and encourage conversations in your workplace.
- Engage with Employers: Ask your employer about training and support for staff about what to do if they encounter a disclosure of domestic abuse from a colleague or direct report, or if they want to be part of maintaining a supportive workplace culture that fights abuse and challenges harassment. Employers have a duty to help employees in these situations.
- Support The Dash Charity: Donations make a big difference, especially for smaller charities like ours. Every contribution helps us provide essential services and safe spaces for victims and survivors.
Visit our website to learn more or to donate or fundraise:
Every Voice Counts
White Ribbon Day reminds us that together, we can create a society where everyone feels safe and respected. Your actions—no matter how small—can contribute to a future free of domestic abuse.
*YouGov, 2021
