What every man can do...

It is widely recognised that violence against women and children is one of the most pervasive human rights abuses in the world, and within the various forms of violence family or domestic violence is common. We have to admit that despite the calls and lobbying for equal rights of men and women, a disparity still exists, particularly when it comes to physical strength. In some society this disparity is made worse by a misconception and misinterpretation of customs and culture to promote the superiority of the male over the family, creating a sense of fear and dependence for the women. Sure, as the generally physically weaker half of the population, women still look to men to provide physical support and help, but this should come in the form of protection rather than violence aimed at women. Combating violence against women requires challenging and reviewing the way that gender roles and power relations between women and men at all levels of society.

All gender related violence are issues that impinge on women, but are centrally concerned with men’s practices and if the situation of women is to improve, men must change their practices. There is an increasing recognition of the need for men to become involved in the movement toward gender equality. Initiatives to improve the condition of women must include efforts to involve men in the process of gender equality.

Every man can help by changing their own attitude and behaviour as well as denouncing and condemning the use of violence of any sort. Various initiatives have been started by groups at both the national and international levels. In 2002 a women’s organisation All Women’s Action Society (AWAM) together in partnership with men formed the first men’s group in Malaysia, known as MAN.V, the Man Action Network Against Violence.

At the international level there is the White Ribbon Campaign which is a worldwide initiative by men to address violence against women. The White ribbon campaign was founded in Canada by men as a response to the murder of 14 women in Montreal. The campaign invites men to wear white ribbons as a sign of their opposition to men’s violence against women. Wearing the white ribbon was a sign and a pledge not only to never commit violence against women, but to also not remain silent about it.

Every man can become advocates and role-models to other men and boys in their life by condemning the cultural acceptance for male violence and adopting a non-violent behaviour.

It is simple and every man can make a difference in helping women achieve a life free of violence. Its in your hands. Violence against women…it’s a crime, help us stop it.

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