We Speak Up: Jeff Buck

Photography: Claudia Janke

Meet Jeff Buck, a White Ribbon UK Ambassador committed to speaking up and taking action to help end violence against women and girls. We spoke to Jeff about how being an Ambassador helps him to be a part of positive change, and the role that all men can play in changing the attitudes and behaviours that lead to inequality and violence against women and girls. 

What motivates you to be a White Ribbon Ambassador?     

Inequality. Given my age, I've grown up with most of the social movements that have moved women and girls closer towards equality with men and yet, 50 years after the advent of 'Women's Lib', our society is still largely patriarchal and inequality persists. This inequality is what underpins much, if not all, of men's violence against women and if we believe in equality, men have to do something about this, through examining their own attitudes and behaviour, by talking to other men and boys, by taking action where it's necessary and appropriate and by pursuing every opportunity to stand with women and girls as allies. Being a White Ribbon Ambassador allows me to do this and to be part of the change that needs to happen if VAWG is to become a thing of the past. 

Do you have a personal story or experience you’d like to share? 

Throughout much of my time as an Ambassador, I've been involved with delivering educational programmes in schools around domestic abuse and VAWG, including focused work on issues like consent, misogyny, healthy relationships, personal space, digital safety and FGM. To see children and young people 'get it' when we talk about these issues, to understand where inequality comes from, to ask those awkward questions and even to challenge my views, but to ultimately go away with, I hope, a changed perspective, has been one of the most satisfying things I've ever done. In the words of the song: "I believe the children are our future. Teach them well and let them lead the way." 

What message would you give to other men, to encourage them to be allies to women and girls?  

Just do it. We're not experts in everything but we are experts in one thing - being men. We've all had diverse experiences in our lives - some good, some bad - but if we truly believe that men have a part to play in addressing abuse and VAWG, then get involved. Firstly, listen to what the women and girls around you are saying (wives, girlfriends, sisters, daughters, grand-daughters, friends, work colleagues). Then examine your own attitudes and behaviours, look at the part you play in the lives of women and girls and the impact you have on them. Finally, have conversations with other men (and boys, if you're a father, grandfather, teacher or youth leader) about what needs to change in society and what we can do, individually and collectively. Everyone can do something. You just have to figure out what that 'something' is for you.