Rhondda Cynon Taf Council is proud to support White Ribbon UK this White Ribbon Day, observed annually on November 25. White Ribbon Day also marks the start of the 16 Days of Activism campaign which is committed to ending gender-based violence and violence against women and girls (VAWG).
White Ribbon Day, also known as the International Day of Ending Violence Against Women and Girls, is part of a global movement to end men’s violence against women and girls by challenging the very cultures that enables it. This year’s theme, “We Speak Up,” sends a powerful message by encouraging men and boys to challenge harmful attitudes, behaviours, and language that contribute to inequality and abuse.
Everyday behaviours such as sexist jokes, catcalling, and intrusive staring may seem minor, but they create an environment where abuse is normalised. By calling these out and refusing to stay silent, we can all play a role in preventing violence before it starts.
Why is White Ribbon Day Important?
The need for action is clear:
- 72% of domestic abuse victim are women (ONS, 2024)
- 1 in 4 women will experience sexual assault in their lifetime (National Audit Office, 2025).
- 51% of women killed by men in 2022 were killed by a current or former partner (Femicide Census, 2022).
- Online abuse is also rising, with 77% of girls aged 7-21 reporting experiencing online harm in the last year (Girlguiding, 2024).
These are not just statistics – they represent the real lives impacted by the silence and inaction. We know that not all men commit violence, but all men can help prevent it.
How You Can Get Involved
To get involved this White Ribbon Day, there are a few small actions you can take:
- Wear the White Ribbon – the global symbol for ending men's violence against women and girls.
- Make the White Ribbon Promise to never use, excuse, or remain silent about men’s violence against women.
- Share your support on social media using the hashtag #WeSpeakUp.
- Concerned about your own behaviour? The way you behave is a choice and you can choose to stop. Call the free, non-judgemental Respect phone line: 0808 802 4040.
Councillor Bob Harris, Cabinet Member for Communities, said: “Violence against women and girls doesn’t begin with physical harm, it begins with attitudes and behaviours that often go unchecked. White Ribbon Day gives us all the confidence to speak up and challenge those behaviours, making our communities safer.
“This year’s theme – We Speak Up – calls on men and boys to refuse to stay silent. We know that not all men commit violence, but all men can help to prevent it.
“Wearing the White Ribbon and making the White Ribbon Promise are simple yet powerful steps actions that show our commitment to creating a culture of respect – where women and girls can live safe from violence and abuse.”
For local domestic abuse services, the RCT Safety Unit is here to help – they can be contacted on 01443 494 190 or 01443 400 791, or click here for more information.
White Ribbon Day is a global movement that seeks to prevent men’s violence against women by addressing its root causes and promoting positive cultural change. The campaign highlights that while not all men commit violence, all men can help prevent it.
White Ribbon UK is the leading charity in England and Wales that works to end men’s violence against women and girls by preventing it from happening in the first place by engaging men and boys to be part of the solution. They have over 8000 individual supports helping them spread their message, as well as supporting more than 500 organisations to create safer and more respectful environments through Accreditation and Supporter programmes.
You can find more information by visiting: White Ribbon UK
Posted on 25/11/2025