WI members across Wales are co-ordinating action during the week of 21 November to mark International White Ribbon Day by organising candlelight vigils, a light a candle service and recruiting male ambassadors from their communities.

White Ribbon Day takes place annually on 25 November and involves men making a pledge to never commit, condone or remain silent about violence against women.

The WI activities form part of the annual Not in my Name campaign to recruit male ambassadors to speak out on ending violence against women, established by NFWI-Wales and Joyce Watson AM five years ago in 2012.

Ann Jones, 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.

“Engaging with men and boys is crucial in challenging the inequalities and attitudes that contribute to violence against women. WI members across the country have been using their local links to gather support for the campaign. Candlelight vigils, organised by WI members, will be taking place in Carmarthen, Ceredigion and Llandudno as well as awareness raising events in partnership with male groups and organisations.

“We are delighted that this important campaign continues to strengthen every year.”

Anti-violence campaigner Joyce Watson AM started White Ribbon campaigning in Wales eleven years ago in her previous role, where she organised the first Llandaff Cathedral White Ribbon service. Upon election she began recruiting male ambassadors, then five years ago set up the Not in My Name campaign with NFWI-Wales

Joyce Watson AM said:

"Now more than ever there is a real need to emphasise the respect agenda, while there is so much intolerance expressed by public figures across the world.

“Everyone has the right to live fear free, and I welcome our Welsh Government’s firm action, legislating to protect victims and their children, and appointing a National Advisor to guide policy makers across Wales. In many ways Wales now leads the way, but there is still a long way to go.

“It’s a credit to all our male ambassadors and all others who have given time to support this cause that they have recognised the need to stand together on this issue.

"As men across Wales sign the White Ribbon pledge, this simple act will cascade out, making a positive change to attitudes to violence against women. It’s also important that so many young people are engaging, getting involved, and spreading this message forward, because their efforts and their attitudes will shape the next generation."

Cabinet Secretary for Communities and Children, Carl Sargeant said: “I feel privileged to support White Ribbon Day and to have an opportunity to highlight our agenda to end violence against women, domestic abuse and sexual violence.

“This is an issue close to my heart and I am committed to continuing the excellent work done so far in implementing the Violence against Women, Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence Act. While we are proud of the progress we have made we recognise there is still more to do.

“I am pleased to be a part of this year’s White Ribbon Day and to be able to attend some of the events which will raise awareness of this important cause.”