We Speak Up: Mike Taggart MBE

Photography: Claudia Janke

Meet Mike Taggart MBE a White Ribbon UK Ambassador and Trustee and a detective sergeant within the Public Protection Unit for North Wales Police, committed to speaking up and taking action to help end violence against women and girls. We spoke to Mike 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 and White Ribbon UK Trustee?  

Being in a position that allows me a platform to share why I feel it’s important we do all we can to end male violence against women and girls is incredible. Being affiliated to something that is internationally recognised as a symbol of hope, support and standing united is just a position I feel privileged to be part of.  

To have an organisation work so closely with its Ambassadors, to create this feeling of belonging which evolves into a desire to do more, is liberating and is an honour to be part of.  

As a Trustee I feel fortunate that I can have an input into how the charity works and be part of the decisions moving forward – the Trustees are like-minded, and I’ve learnt so much from them. They are all from different backgrounds both professionally and personally and the combination of knowledge and passion makes me feel really humbled and wholly motivated to keep on sharing the important message of ending male violence against women.  

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

My mum Donna was 36 when she was murdered for wanting to leave my step-dad when I was fifteen. It was an act of utter selfishness - all because his ego was bruised and his perception of masculinity and control diminished.  

I grew up where misogynistic, racist and homophobic language was common place and to question it would result in being yelled at. He liked to overpower with his views. The things I’ve learnt about over the years that highlight the danger this type of behaviour can cause is troubling. Why do some men act like this? Why, if I don’t conform to a masculine typology, does it make me any less of a man? 

A man should show compassion and care, but patriarchy has perpetuated a culture where violence is not only tolerated but expected. True strength is not measured by physical power or control over others, but the courage to show empathy, respect and vulnerability.  

Having seen masculinity as more of a weapon than the positive influence it could be, growing up, I wanted to make sure that what I do following what happened to my mum, promotes the good that men can do and show that allyship is much more admirable than mocking men who don’t conform to societal prerequisites.  

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

Let us be the generation that says “enough” to violence against women. Let us all stand together and fight for equality, justice and safety for ALL women. It is not enough to say “I am not part of the problem.” We must actively be part of the solution.   

Let’s change the narrative by speaking out - it’s time we took responsibility - not only for our actions but actions of all men.  

Each time we choose to reject harmful stereotypes, each time we challenge a friend to think differently and each time we support a survivor, we contribute to a cultural shift and that shift is what we need to break the cycle of violence.