We need to stop men’s Violence & Abuse against women and Girls (VAWG) before it happens. This is the work of primary prevention programmes and where the work of White Ribbon South Africa is focused. Positive Primary prevention action is implemented long before Gender Based Violence (GBV) or Abuse – be that physical, sexual or psychological occurs and aims to change the attitudes of men and boys about using violence and the use of violence against women and girls.
Primary prevention Programmes do this by addressing the causes of violence and changing attitudes.
The White Ribbon social movement and programs focus on primary prevention in a positive manner
Examples of primary prevention include: Public information and awareness raising campaigns Educational programmes in schools and Universities Workplace (Trade Union) programmes Establishing frameworks and standards for preventing GBV Programmes in our local Communities Educational campaigns in Sport
Through education, awareness raising and creative campaigns, preventative programs, partnerships and political advocacy, supported by the Joe Slovo Foundation; White Ribbon South Africa highlights the positive role men can play to stop violence against women and enables them to be part of this social change.