Male Participation Emphasized at White Ribbon Vigil

A vigil aimed at combating violence against women and girls in a city commenced with a series of male speakers. The fifth yearly White Ribbon Day event, held in Milton Keynes on Monday, adopted the national theme ‘It starts with men’. This occasion paid tribute to individuals who have endured abuse and urged men and boys to confront behaviors and mindsets that foster gender-based violence. Jane Whild, the event’s organiser, expressed her belief that it was an opportune moment for men to lead the initiative, stating that “White Ribbon is all about male action and allyship.” She further commented, “There is a long way to go – it is still very much a one-day-a-year marking of action. But we do not hear enough about what the action is during the rest of the year.” Following the speeches delivered at Milton Keynes Gallery, a procession proceeded to the MK Rose, concluding with the recitation of the White Ribbon pledge and poetry presented by the domestic abuse charity MK Act and the city’s Youth Council. Assistant Chief Constable Dennis Murray of Thames Valley Police was one of nine men who addressed the issue of violence against women. He informed the BBC, “One of the things we struggle with is people willing to stand the course of the criminal justice system to make sure we get a conviction. “But hopefully events like this give them confidence people are behind them and they can speak out.” Several organizations in Milton Keynes have achieved White Ribbon accreditation or become supporters by recruiting male ambassadors and female champions from their staff. Jay Virgo, representing the LGBTQ+ group Q Alliance, is among these individuals. He stated, “I think it is so important for queer men to step forward and advocate for women and girls and particularly our transgender sisters who are obviously a part of a community that seldom gets given a platform at things like this.” Gary Read, a therapist employed by sexual assault and abuse specialist services within the city, remarked, “Men speaking out at this event is really quite important because if the messages are coming from them, then hopefully more men will take that on board and more will listen.”