I am publishing my reflections today – Monday 25th November – which marks White Ribbon Day, a worldwide campaign to prevent violence against women and girls.
I am so impressed with the White Ribbon campaign because it provides a clear and simple message. That violence against women and girls is rooted in harmful masculine behaviour, attitudes, and traits. Our society must make men and boys accountable, leading to positive behaviour change, and an end to these harmful cultures that affect so many women and girls in the UK.
I speak about this regularly with my wife and two daughters, and the need for them to always feel safe in their lives. They are very aware of the dangers that exist and are always on alert to spot them. 70% of women in the UK say they have experienced sexual harassment in public and 3 in 5 women have experienced sexual harassment in the workplace. 15% of women in England have experienced online violence. 24% of girls in mixed sex schools said they had experiences of unwanted sexual touching in school. 1.4 million women experienced domestic abuse in the year ending March 2023. I find these statistics truly shocking.
Everyone who knows me understands my passion for using sport and physical activity to bring about a better society. And as a sector, we are in a strong position to help reduce violence against women and girls. Over 15 million men play sport or are active every week in this country. We have fantastic opportunity to come together as a sector and encourage all men and boys who play sport or enjoy being active to be changemakers to ensure the safety of women and girls. Sport and physical activity has made incredible progress in gender equality over the past 20 years, and now we can successfully take on one more challenge.
As men, it is our responsibility to influence change within our communities and peer groups. 63% of men agree that men in society aren’t doing enough to ensure the safety of women and girls. Whether as a participant, a coach, or a supporter, men and boys in sport and physical activity can act as role models to promote positive and respectful attitudes towards women and girls, showing courage to call out harmful masculine behaviour against women and girls when we witness it. And for all men to take a close look at themselves and ask if their attitudes or behaviour are in any way harmful to women.
I am proud that White Ribbon Day is supported by Active Essex and Essex County Council, and I encourage everyone to do what they can in their personal and professional lives to bring to an end this appalling culture of violence and hatred against women.
