We Speak Up: Martin Mathews

Meet Martin Mathews, a White Ribbon UK Ambassador and Environmental Protection Officer, committed to speaking up and taking action to help end violence against women and girls. We spoke to Martin about his motivations to make our world a better place and the need for men to speak up for equality, no matter how difficult the conversations may feel.  

What motivates you to be a White Ribbon Ambassador?     

I am driven by a passion to make the world a better place, and I believe it is everyone's responsibility to eradicate sexism, homophobia, racism and all hate crimes, we are all equal irrespective of age, sex, race, gender etc. 

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

There is no excuse for violence and there is no reason or place in 2025 for gender inequality. I have been surrounded by and inspired by some incredibly strong females from my grandmothers, my mother, friends and colleagues through to singers and artists all of whom have helped shape the man I am. 
 
I have been a long time supporter of the White Ribbon campaign and previously supported a domestic abuse charity in Chester raising awareness and funds and supporting the work they do. I believe that it is my responsibility and duty not only as a man but as a human to speak out and try and do whatever it takes to end violence against women and girls. 

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

We must not allow violence against women and girls to continue and we need to make our voices heard and speak out, we are all equal and no matter how difficult the conversations are, we have to speak up and be the drivers of this change and say no rather than ignoring it or simply leaving it to others.