Be a man and speak up

The Women’s Rights Education and Advocacy Project aims to increase knowledge and understanding of human rights, equality and gender discrimination within communities, particularly in relation to how these issues affect levels of Violence against Women and Girls (VAWG).

They are looking to recruit enthusiastic men who have an interest in and a commitment to gender equality and feel strongly about people achieving their basic human rights to take part and play a key role in ending gender based violence.

They believe talking about these issues and speaking up against VAWG and domestic abuse is the only way to make it more unacceptable and less of a ‘private matter’.

The training course will be spread over about 8 weeks with around one session each week. A wide range of topics will be covered, including:

• Human Rights principles and legislation
• Equality and Diversity
• Domestic abuse, Violence Against Women and Girls, and prevalence in society;
• Long-term effects of domestic abuse on men, women, children, parenting and society;
• Gender inequality and discrimination;
• Restrictive gender norms;
• Concepts of masculinities and notions of power;
• Community development methods;
• Facilitation skills;
• Peer Advocacy.

On completing the course it will then be for each participant to decide how they want to take things forward. Participants will be encouraged to become volunteer Champions where they will help to reach as many people as possible through group and community action.

Acting as a positive male role model, they will help raise awareness of gender inequality and will work to change discriminatory attitudes and behaviour; attending community events and helping to deliver awareness sessions to groups.

To find out more about the course or project, please call Alice on (029) 2046 0566 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

News release to give you background information

Wales International Rugby Star Adam Jones told men in Wales to “Be A Man and Speak Up” for women’s rights at the National Assembly for Wales on 2nd May.

   
Wales International Rugby Star Adam Jones explained:
“Violence against women is unacceptable, and it’s about time that this is seen not just as a women’s issue – but something we should all be doing our bit to put an end to.

  
"We all need to play a part in changing our communities so that women and girls across Wales are free from fear of violence.

  
"I’m proud to be a man who stands up for what’s right, and I’m calling on all other men to do the same.”

     
The event is part of an innovative project by Cardiff Women’s Aid to challenge gender inequality and domestic violence and abuse.

  
Cardiff and the Vale Women’s Rights, Education and Advocacy Project has already recruited and trained 50 female volunteers to oppose violence against women, in all its forms.

   
Now the project is looking to recruit male volunteers to promote gender equality and to speak out against domestic violence and abuse in their own communities.

  
Cardiff Women's Aid is looking for enthusiastic men who feel strongly about people achieving their basic human rights to take part and become Champions where they will promote healthy, equal relationships in their personal and professional lives and will play a key role in ending gender based violence.

  
Before starting, a comprehensive training course will be provided. Spread over a 10-week period this summer, participants will learn more about domestic abuse and its prevalence in society; human rights principles; gender inequality; stereotyping and discrimination.

  
1 in 4 women will suffer from domestic violence, sexual harassment or stalking at some point in their lifetime.

If, as a man, this makes you feel angry and you want to challenge attitudes that perpetuate violence against women and girls, please contact Alice on (029) 2046 0566 or at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it to find out more about getting involved.

   
Project Leader, Claudia Donati says:
“At the heart of our project is the belief that change will benefit men and boys as well as women and girls. Increasingly men themselves acknowledge they too are constrained by rigid gender roles.

  
“Many men are willing to envisage a world where they are able to be the kind of men they want to be: in a world free from violence. However, every man who stands up for gender equality has to face the difficulties of going against societal norms which are reinforced every day. This is why the project needs men to stand up for gender equality and bring about positive change.”

   
For many of the project’s volunteers, becoming a ‘Women’s Rights Champion’ has given them the confidence to speak out against gender inequality and violence against women as members of their own community.

   
‘Women’s Rights Champion’, Natalie Lane explains:
“I got involved with the project because I’m passionate about equality and human rights issues, particularly in relation to women. My family have experienced first-hand the devastation that can be caused by domestic violence. Being a part of this project gives me the opportunity to make a positive difference to others.

  
“By simply questioning the attitude or perception of one person each day, I know I am helping to make people think more carefully about their words or actions. Hopefully this will help women to gain the strength to make the often life changing decision to leave an abusive relationship.”

  
The event was supported by Minister for Finance and Equalities, Jane Hutt AM, and Julie Morgan AM.

  
Julie Morgan AM says:
“I firmly believe that we all have a role to play in tackling gender-based abuse and shall be following the results of this new training initiative with interest. It is essential that we have strong male advocates for equal relationships and an end to violence against women and girls.”

  
The Welsh Government’s Equalities Minister, Jane Hutt, asserts:
"The Welsh Government is determined to do all it can to help victims of violence and abuse and to ensure they are supported and can live safely within their local communities. Cardiff Women's Aid's project is exactly the kind of scheme we want to see across Wales.

   
"Domestic abuse is not acceptable and should not be tolerated by anyone. It's vital that men as well as women play a role in reducing incidents of violence and I wish Cardiff Women's Aid well in their latest project to tackle this important issue."

To find out more
For further information about the event or the Women’s Rights Education and Advocacy Project, contact Claudia Donati at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or 07587 099083.