Saoirse Ronan, known for her powerful roles in films such as “Little Women” and “Lady Bird”, recently made an important statement about the gender divide in personal safety during her appearance on the popular talk show “The Graham Norton Show”. Joined by fellow actors Eddie Redmayne, Paul Mescal, Denzel Washington, and host Graham Norton, the topic of using a phone as a self-defense tool was brought up in a joking manner. However, Ronan’s response shed light on the reality that women constantly have to consider their safety in everyday situations.
The discussion sparked a moment of silence, followed by a heartfelt applause from the audience. This moment highlighted the importance of White Ribbon UK’s work, which focuses on promoting men’s allyship to women. The organization encourages men to listen to women’s experiences and think about ways they can prevent violence against women and girls, rather than placing the responsibility solely on women to keep themselves safe.
As November marks White Ribbon Month, leading up to White Ribbon Day on November 25th, the organization is emphasizing the theme “It Starts with Men”. This theme highlights the role men can play in creating change and ending men’s violence against women. Every man can make a difference by giving women space in public places and allowing them to speak without interruption or judgment. It is important for men to ask women about their experiences and consider how their actions and behaviors can contribute to a safer environment. This conversation should also extend to male friendships, where men can be positive influencers and promote self-reflection among their peers.
Through consistent reflection and positive changes in behavior and attitudes, we can work towards a future where women are truly equal and do not have to constantly assess their safety. A future where a mobile phone is simply a means of communication with loved ones, rather than a safety tool.
For more information about White Ribbon Day and the organization’s efforts to end violence against women and girls, please visit their website.
About White Ribbon UK: White Ribbon is the leading charity in the UK that engages men and boys in the prevention of violence against women and girls. The organization’s mission is to address the root causes of men’s violence against women by challenging harmful and dominant masculine norms. By striving to change long-established attitudes, behaviors, and systems surrounding masculinity, White Ribbon aims to eliminate gender inequality and violence against women.
