MSPs from multiple parties were seen wearing white ribbons in the Holyrood chamber on Thursday.
First Minister Humza Yousaf and Scottish Tory leader Douglas Ross were among the politicians sporting the ribbon, though the SNP leader's was in badge form.
Why are the MSPs wearing the white ribbon?
The white ribbon is the international symbol of ending men’s violence against women.
It was “white ribbon day” on November 25. This year, white ribbon day was the first in 16 days of action.
The campaign’s official website states: “Culture change doesn’t happen overnight, but we can end men’s violence against women and girls in our lifetimes.
“This year, we are encouraging individuals and organisations to make consistent choices and actions to #ChangeTheStory for women and girls, so that they may live their lives free from the fear of violence.
“Violence experienced by women and girls takes many forms. Some behaviours and words may seem ‘harmless’ but normalising them ignores the short- and long-term effects on women and can lead to more extreme violence.”
Help us continue this work to engage men in the prevention of gender-based violence by making a donation to White Ribbon UK. https://t.co/hZ5JSEGDCD pic.twitter.com/9k5GWcE0Ii
— White Ribbon UK (@WhiteRibbon_UK) December 6, 2023
The White Ribbon campaign further urges people to “start by making the White Ribbon Promise to never use, excuse or remain silent about men’s violence against women and girls”.
The website states: “Violence against women and girls can happen anywhere and takes many forms – from sexist jokes online to harassing behaviours on the train.
“Some behaviours may be dismissed as ‘small’ or ‘low-level’ acts: sharing sexist ‘jokes’ at work or in group chats; catcalling women in the street; or harassing women on a night out. These all contribute towards creating a culture of fear and misogyny that encourages violence and abuse against women.
“In spaces where these behaviours are normalised, it can lead to more extreme cases of violence.”
