Tomorrow (Tuesday) will see the National Federation of Women’s Institutes-Wales holding a debate and a candlelight vigil at the Senedd, sponsored by Joyce Watson AM, to send out a powerful message that Violence Against Women (VAW) is unacceptable and will not be tolerated.

These events form part of the annual Not in my Name campaign to recruit male ambassadors to speak out on ending male VAW, which NFWI-Wales and Joyce Watson AM set up six years ago in 2012. They are also an opportunity for stakeholders and supporters to mark the International Day for the Elimination of VAW and White Ribbon Day which both take place on 25 November.

At 12 noon a panel debate will take place in the Senedd based on the theme ‘engaging men and boys in challenging all forms of VAW’. Panel members will include Sophie Howe, Future Generations Commissioner for Wales; Richard Murgatroyd, White Ribbon UK; and Gwendolyn Sterk, Welsh Women’s Aid.

Pupils from Ysgol Coedcae in Llanelli will also be present to share a video they have produced around healthy relationships and the winner of the NFWI-Wales White Ribbon logo competition will be announced by Ken Skates AM, Cabinet Secretary for Economy and Transport.

At 6.30pm a Candlelight Vigil will take place on the steps of the Senedd to show solidarity with victims of the VAW across the world. Following a short walk around the Pierhead building, supporters will be addressed by Joyce Watson AM, Mair Stephens, Chair of NFWI-Wales; Julie James AM, Leader of the House; Nadia Salaman; Jemma Shepherd, help4Wales Foundation; a representative from each of the political parties; and a male ambassador. Bechgyn Bro Taf male choir will also perform an octet during the event.

Mair Stephens, Chair of NFWI-Wales, said, “One in four women in Wales will experience domestic violence at the hands of a partner during their lives, and 150,000 women in Wales will suffer some form of gender-based violence every year.

“Men and boys must be inspired to get involved in helping prevent VAW by challenging the attitudes, behaviours and gender inequalities that contribute to this violation of women’s rights. VAW is a hidden issue and its prevalence is shocking and unacceptable. Men can be agents of change and play a crucial part as positive role models to help us achieve a culture change where violence against women is not tolerated by society.”

Joyce Watson AM, Assembly Member for Mid and West Wales added:

“It is fantastic that the White Ribbon message of respect between men and women, boys and girls, is being discussed in more and more schools... It is hugely encouraging that young people across Wales are saying loudly and clearly “Not in my Name” to disrespect, violence and abuse.”

Leader of the House Julie James said: “We have been on a long journey to get to where we are today in terms of tackling Violence Against Women, Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence but we cannot underestimate the sheer scale of the task still facing us. Violence Against Women, is a despicable crime and we all have a responsibility to make a stand against it. We can only tackle this issue by working together to ensure it is reported and the right services to support victims and survivors are in place.”