For 2020’s 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Based Violence, Fairspace launched our bold “Passing the Mic” campaign, calling on male allies to stand up and speak up against GBV.
As part of the White Ribbon Campaign, funded by Emancipator’s Deltaplan, Fairspace “passed the mic” to our male allies, creating a platform to share what stopping GBV means to them. This metaphorical microphone transformed into a baton, as the 13 allies passed it along each day, sending in video submissions with personal experiences and powerful messages to be shared on Fairspace’s social media platforms.
Each video centered around participants sharing their thoughts on the intersections of “male,” and “ally.” Common themes included:
- Embedded toxic masculinity
- Making the political personal
- Acknowledgement of male privilege, and;
- Practical tips on intervening in situations of GBV
"We believe that focusing on these men, who represent alternative forms of masculinity, challenging the mainstream, will inspire viewers to consider the problem of GBV, and how they, too, can make a difference."
The aim of the campaign was to lead by example, and to spotlight allies who are already working towards a fair, and violence-free future. The campaign idea was spurned by the motivation to create a safe place for men to reject toxic masculinity. To articulate, to explore, and to solidify their allyship.
We believe that focusing on these men, who represent alternative forms of masculinity, challenging the mainstream, will inspire viewers to consider the problem of GBV, and how they, too, can make a difference.
Faisrpace’s 2020 Campaign was featured in Tijdschriftlover, the longest-running feminist magazine in the Netherlands.
