The primary focus of this strategy is to emphasize the value of primary prevention and the crucial role Australian boys and men play in intervening and advocating to end men’s violence against women.
The ultimate goal is to empower Australian men to transform from passive observers into active activists and defenders of women’s safety.
This strategy aims to raise awareness on a national scale about the solutions to combat men’s violence against women.
According to Mr. Allan Ball, National Director of White Ribbon Australia, the Advocacy Strategy centers on “four deliberate asks” to bring about sustainable change, putting men at the forefront as leaders, drivers, allies, and agents of change to end men’s violence against women.
The four asks are as follows:
1. Engaging men and boys to prevent men’s violence against women.
2. Encouraging a more comprehensive and positive concept of masculinity in Australia.
3. Creating safe and equitable workplaces for all employees.
4. Criminalizing coercion and control.
With a National roadmap already outlined by the Federal Government for 2022 – 2032, the call to action is immediate.
The advocacy asks were developed after extensive community consultations carried out by White Ribbon Australia over the past 24 months, involving Australian men and boys through various channels, such as community partner programs, barbershops, youth engagement panels, and accredited workplaces.
This coordinated approach aims to advance primary prevention efforts across the country.
Rhys Bridge, a 15-year-old member of the National Youth Roundtable, expressed the importance of young men’s involvement in driving change.
“The youth roundtable firmly believes that with the right skills, tools, and opportunities to participate in decision-making, young boys will reject violence against girls and women”.
To learn more about the advocacy position paper, click here.
If you’re interested in joining the youth advisory group, becoming a community partner, or participating in national policy roundtables, please email info@whiteribbon.org.au.