We Speak Up: Mat Taylor

Meet Mat Taylor, a White Ribbon UK Ambassador and Perpetrator Policy Manager at the Welsh Government, committed to speaking up and taking action to help end violence against women and girls. We spoke to Mat about his motivations for becoming an Ambassador, his personal experiences, and why it matters for men to be active allies. 

What motivates you to be a White Ribbon Ambassador? 

I’m motivated to be a White Ribbon Ambassador because the safety and dignity of women and girls is deeply personal to me. I’m a man, a dad, and a partner, and I want the people I love—and every woman and girl in our community—to live free from violence, disrespect, and fear. Selfishly, I want this for my daughter. She deserves it. 

In my role, I know I have influence. People watch what I do and listen to what I say. That gives me a responsibility to model the kind of behaviour and attitudes that contribute to a culture of respect. Being an Ambassador is my way of using that influence for something that genuinely matters: challenging the attitudes, excuses, and silent acceptance that allow gender-based violence to continue. 

I want to be part of the group of men who don’t look away, don’t stay silent, and don’t assume someone else will step up. This is my commitment—to speak up, to stand alongside women, and to help build a safer community for everyone. 

I want to advocate for good men, men who care, men who wont live in the shadows of others, to stand up and be counted for what we believe in. To be good role models, good blokes. Blokes who can show care, empathy, respect and understanding – but importantly to do my bit in owning it. I want my son to be that sort of man when he grows up, I want him to see me be a good example 

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

My message to other men is this: being an ally isn’t about being perfect—it’s about being present, paying attention, and taking responsibility for the culture, we create. 

We all have influence. Whether you’re a father, a partner, a teammate, a colleague, or a mate in a group chat, your words and actions shape what’s normal. Challenge disrespect when you see it. Listen to women—not to defend yourself, but to understand. Teach the boys in your life that strength has nothing to do with control and everything to do with respect. 

Most importantly, don’t underestimate the power of small actions. Calling out a joke, supporting a friend, checking in on someone, or showing empathy—these are the things that create safer spaces and shift culture. 

Every man has a role in ending violence against women. And it starts with deciding that silence is no longer an option.