What is White Ribbon Day? Events taking place across the UK to combat male violence

It was formed by a group of pro-feminist men in Canada in 1991, with hopes of raising awareness, promoting healthy relationships, campaigning for gender equity, and creating a compassionate vision of masculinity.

They chose a white ribbon as their symbol, to represent men giving up their arms.

Every year in November, White Ribbon activists invite the whole world to come together and take a stance against male violence against women together.

Here is everything you need to know about the special day.

Every year, on November 25, the world celebrates White Ribbon Day, which is also United Nations’ Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women.

During the week leading up to the special day, men and boys are encouraged to wear white ribbons to show their opposition to violence against women and solidarity.

This year, the awareness day’s slogan is It Starts with Men. Organisers are calling for men to hold themselves accountable – to women and to each other – so that positive behaviour change can transform culture which perpetuates violence towards women and girls.

“Violence against women and girls is rooted in harmful masculine traits,” the White Ribbon Day 2024 campaign briefing reads. “Starting with men, we must address the attitudes and behaviours that contribute to a fear of violence for women in their day-to-day lives.”

The statement added that gender equality was vital in making this culture change possible, and that it could only be achieved if men and boys recognised their behaviour and assumed their responsibility as allies to women and girls.

To mark the occasion, a series of events are held across the UK in the coming days between November 25 and December 10 – and anyone can attend most of them because they’re virtual. The period marks 16 Days of Action to end violence against women and girls.

Here is a brief look at some of the planned events across the UK:

Between 8 am and 3 pm on November 25, Devonshire Square will host a pop-up event in its Western Courtyard to raise awareness for the day. Events marking the occasion will also take place in Enfield, Merton and Sutton.

There are a number of pop-up community events happening across Cornwall, including public transport bystander training in Truro, St Just, Penzance and Camborne, a vigil and march in Penzance and a webinar on economic and financial abuse. You can find the full calendar of events with links to book on here, provided by Safer Cornwall. There are also events planned in other areas of the UK, including Northumberland and Worcester.