Standing Together on White Ribbon Day

Today marks White Ribbon Day, known internationally as the Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women and Girls. It's a day that challenges me, and all of us, to confront an uncomfortable truth: violence against women remains one of the most pervasive human rights violations worldwide.

The statistics are staggering. Every ten minutes, a woman is killed by a partner or family member. Nearly one in three women globally have experienced physical or sexual violence. Here in the U.S., one in four women will face sexual assault or attempted assault in their lifetime. These aren't just numbers. They represent mothers, daughters, sisters, friends, and colleagues whose lives have been forever altered.

What strikes me most about White Ribbon Day is its recognition that men must be part of the solution. This year's theme, "We Speak Up," reminds me that silence makes us complicit. When I hear a sexist joke, witness catcalling, or notice inappropriate behavior being dismissed as "banter," I have a choice. I can let it slide, or I can speak up.

The truth is, these seemingly minor incidents aren't harmless. They create a culture where more serious violence becomes possible. Every time we fail to challenge harmful behavior, we miss an opportunity to set a better standard and protect those around us.

Being an active bystander doesn't mean being confrontational. Sometimes it's as simple as speaking calmly to a friend about their language, or checking in with someone who seems uncomfortable. These small actions accumulate into meaningful change.

Today, I'm wearing a white ribbon as a visible commitment to ending violence against women and girls. But more importantly, I'm committing to speaking up throughout the year because real change happens not just on designated days, but in our everyday choices and conversations.