LONDON is seeking to fight violence and harassment against women, with a particular focus on the toxic behaviour of some men. Through an awareness campaign and its accompanying video, the Mayor of London is hoping to challenge men to reflect on their behaviour. The campaign is called #HaveAWord.
"In this country – and in our city – we currently face an epidemic of violence against women and girls. In the UK, a violent man kills a woman every three days. We can change this. We need to change this. And as men, it starts by reflecting on our own behaviour and the way we see, treat and talk about women. We all have a responsibility to raise our voices to help keep women and girls safe."
On the Mayor of London's website, Sadiq Khan's campaign pulls no punches, hitting hard in this month dedicated to women in history. The campaign, with its social-media-friendly title, #HaveAWord, calls on men to question their behaviour in the face of violence against women.
The campaign has been saluted on social networks for having finally called on men to review their attitudes and dare to speak out when they witness these kinds of situations.
On Twitter, the official FIFA account even re-shared the short film: "The powerful message against violence & harassment of girls & women could apply to any city in the world," reads the tweet, which then concludes by using the campaign slogan: "If you see it happening, #HaveAWord with yourself. Then your mates."
The campaign video clip was first shown on Monday, March 14, during half-time of the Crystal Palace vs Manchester City match at Selhurst Park stadium. Indeed, London soccer clubs have been supporting this campaign tackling violence against women.
On the Mayor of London's website, the project lists ways to recognise abusive behaviours and keys to better combat them, while answering various questions, such as what is misogyny, and sexist expressions to avoid.
In 2021, a study revealed that 97% of young women in the UK have experienced sexual harassment in public places. At the time, the so-called "97%" movement grew on social networks following the findings of the study and in response to the death of Sarah Everard, a young British woman raped and killed by a police officer. – ETX Daily Up, March 17, 2022
Male violence against women and girls starts with words.
— Sadiq Khan (@SadiqKhan) March 14, 2022
If you see it happening, have a word with yourself - then your mates. #HaveAWord pic.twitter.com/8PjeBdkFNZ
Our last RT was a @SadiqKhan campaign, supported by all London football clubs.
— FIFA.com (@FIFAcom) March 14, 2022
The powerful message against violence & harassment of girls & women could apply to any city in the world.
If you see it happening, #HaveAWord with yourself. Then your mates.pic.twitter.com/zVNArdPIX8
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