November 24, 2016

White Ribbon Ambassador Program opens its doors to UOW researchers

White Ribbon Ambassador program under review

Researchers from the University of Wollongong (UOW) are playing their part in the prevention of men’s violence against women, undertaking an independent process evaluation of White Ribbon Australia’s Ambassador Program.

White Ribbon is the world’s largest movement of men working together to end men’s violence against women. More than 2,000 Australian men are currently signed on as White Ribbon Ambassadors, proudly and publicly supporting primary prevention activities through public awareness, fundraising, education and contribution to prevention strategies. White Ribbon Day is celebrated annually on 25 November.

The project, ‘Case Study of White Ribbon Australia’s Ambassador Program: Men as Allies to Prevent Men’s Violence against Women,’ explores the role men can play in violence prevention, and provides support for White Ribbon’s current overhaul of the Ambassador Program.

UOW PhD students Kenton Bell and Claire E. Seaman conducted the project over the last 12 months, undertaking in-depth interviews and an online survey to investigate how and why men become part of the Ambassador Program; how they enact their role as an ally to end men’s violence against women, the challenges they encounter and how to overcome them.

Mr Bell, a Global Challenges Scholar, said the project had two primary aims: to provide an independent evaluation of the Ambassador Program, and to provide insight into the motivations and experiences of White Ribbon Ambassadors.

“We found a range of reasons why men choose to become involved with White Ribbon, from personal experiences with abuse, to wanting to make sure their own children do not have to experience the same abuse. Other men have a stronger desire to make a difference in their community and often feel a moral obligation to get involved,” he said.

“In our studies we found that over one-third of Ambassadors surveyed have changed how they relate to women as a direct result of their involvement in the program, and the majority would likely challenge any sexist behaviour they witnessed from other men.

“What is really remarkable is that 86 men took the time to talk to us and share their stories.”

As part of the project, Mr Bell and Ms Seaman made number of key recommendations for the Ambassador Program that are currently being implemented by White Ribbon Australia. Key areas of focus include increased communication between White Ribbon Australia and its ambassadors, a targeted campaign focusing on fatherhood, a new training and education series to be implemented as part of the program package and local regional committees to enhance regional connectivity.

White Ribbon is currently nearing completion of its ‘recommital process’, which requires every Ambassador to reapply for their position, complete additional training on men’s violence against women, undergo further reference checks and submit to interviews with trained White Ribbon staff.

The White Ribbon Ambassador program began in 2005 and provides men with a leadership role in engaging men in the prevention of violence against women. White Ribbon Ambassadors are formal representatives of White Ribbon Australia and are required to have the knowledge, skills, attributes and determination to influence Australian men to critically evaluate their attitudes and behaviours toward women.