‘Not in my Name’ to Violence Against Women.

Our guest blog by Sarah Thomas of the National Federation of Women's Institutes looks at the recent 16 Days of Action against Gender-Based Violence and the involvement of the WI in engaging its members and the wider public in supporting its Not in my Name campaign to end violence against women.

Ending violence against women has been a longstanding commitment for the WI.

Violence against women is a global pandemic affecting 1 in 3 women in their lifetime. It can include domestic abuse, rape and sexual violence, stalking, forced marriage, FGM, so-called honour based violence, sexual exploitation and sexual harassment. 

One woman is killed every 3 days in the UK by a violent partner and last year at least 119 women were killed[1].  During the first lockdown period, there was a rise of 49% in the number of contacts made to the Live Fear Free helpline.[2]

Violence against women is a cause and consequence of gender inequality and we all have a part to play in challenging attitudes and behaviours that lead to violence against women, be it in the home, community or workplace.

Since 2012, the National Federation of Women’s Institutes (NFWI)-Wales has engaged WI members in the Not in my Name campaign which was established in 2012 with Joyce Watson MS. The campaign takes place annually during the 16 Days of Action Against Gender-Based Violence which starts on 25 November, International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women and ends on 10 December, Human Rights Day.

The Not in my Name campaign involves WI members across Wales recruiting male ambassadors from their communities to speak out against violence towards women, organising their own vigils, and spreading the message of the White Ribbon promise to ‘never commit, excuse or remain silent about male violence against women’. Campaign supporters over the years have included the Welsh Rugby Union, Glamorgan Cricket, Only Men Aloud, Cardiff Blues and the Cardiff Devils.

Our Powys Brecknock, Powys Radnor and Powys Montgomery federations have played an active role in the campaign and secured the support of local groups and businesses. Brecon Ford has supported the campaign over a number of years which has seen staff wearing white ribbons to raise awareness and as a pledge of their support.

Members of Rhayader Male Choir & Builth Wells Male Choir

A number of local male choirs have also pledged their support including Talgarth Male Choir and Aberhonddu & District Male Choir. Last year, Rhayader Male Choir and Builth Wells Male Choir raised awareness of the campaign during a joint performance at a local event. 

Ahead of this year’s 16 Days of Action, NFWI-Wales and Joyce Watson MS hosted two virtual events to mark the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and International White Ribbon Day which both took place on 25 November.

A stakeholder event focusing on violence against women in rural communities discussed some the challenging in delivering services in rural communities as well as the barriers for victims in accessing services. Later that evening, a virtual candlelight vigil took place which brought stakeholders from across Wales together to show solidarity with victims and survivors of violence against women across the world. A minute’s silence was held and participants were invited to light a candle and to share a photo of their candle on social media.

At both events, stark statistics relating to violence against women were shared and all speakers emphasised the need to change attitudes and behaviours in order to end violence against women.

Whilst women are disproportionately the victims of violence, we should not underestimate the role of men in the prevention and elimination of violence against women. We must inspire more men to speak up publicly to challenge the attitudes, behaviours and gender inequalities that contribute to this violation of women’s rights. Men can be agents of change and play a crucial part as positive role models to help us achieve a culture change where violence against women is not tolerated by society.

We all have a part to play in ending VAW. By speaking out against violence against women, challenging the attitudes and behaviour that persist in our society, and campaigning for strong action, we can help achieve a society where women are treated equally to men and consequently a society where women are free from the fear of violence and abuse.

The Live Fear FreeHelpline provides 24 hour free advice and support for those who are experiencing, or know someone experiencing domestic abuse, sexual violence or violence against women.

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[1] Counting Dead Women, Karen Ingala Smith https://kareningalasmith.com/2019/03/10/2019/

[2] https://www.welshwomensaid.org.uk/2020/08/creating-change-that-lasts-responding-to-vawdasv-following-the-covid-19-pandemic-roundtable/