Men’s violence towards women and how to stop it.

BY REX A.C. SILVER

Barbershop talks to Allan Ball, Director of White Ribbon Australia about the growing movement to stop violence towards women and explains how barbers are playing a key part in getting the message out there.

White Ribbon Australia is the leading Australian social movement inviting men to be allies to stop men’s violence against women. Men’s violence against women is more than a statistic; it’s a heartwrenching reality faced by countless individuals.

Shockingly, one in three women in Australia has endured physical violence since the age of 15, and the heartache deepens as we acknowledge that, on average, one woman loses her life every nine days at the hands of a current or former partner. This year alone has seen 31 women tragically become victims of this scourge – a disheartening testament that in 2023, we should not bear witness to such alarming numbers.

I see myself as a type of conductor of the national movement. As the conductor of this movement, I, Allan Ball the National Director of White Ribbon Australia, stand at the helm of an orchestra of change. Our aim is clear – to unleash a crescendo of transformation, community by community, that dismantles the foundations of violence and replaces them with pillars of respect, equality, and empathy.

Can you tell us the reasoning behind calling the safe chat space on your platform, The Barber Shop and how White Ribbons aligns to Barber?

The White Ribbon Australia barbershop is a new and unique concept that offers both a digital and physical opportunity to learn about the issue of men’s violence towards women and how to stop it.

White Ribbon Australia has developed a series of resources all named after common haircuts and shaves that Australian men would ask for in any barber across the country. Resources lie the Mullet or Man Bun. But don’t be fooled by the name, inside the resource houses a full range of clinically up to date information providing practical tips for men to be allies of women’s safety.

We call this resource hub the digital barbershop.

We also have worked for the past 12 months training barbers to have conversations with men about being an ally and offering the resources, known as our pop-up barbershops.

By bringing barbers to the heart of the conversation by creating conversation of change through pop-ups by putting the discussions of what role men can play right in the chair. and offering a digital barbershop which is an interactive resource hub provide men with a range of tools, resources, and information.

In the intricate tapestry of societal transformation, one unexpected thread stands out – the humble barbershop. Beyond the snip of scissors and hum of clippers lies a potent space that resonates with men, inspiring them to delve into crucial issues like bystander awareness, stepping outside the “man box,” challenging the “mansophere,” practicing affirmative consent, and addressing technology-facilitated abuse. Let’s uncover the five reasons why barbershops serve as a powerful conduit for this vital change.

1. Place-Based Engagement: Barbershops are more than just grooming sanctuaries; they are authentic hubs of male camaraderie and conversation. A unique convergence of diverse men from all walks of life occurs within these walls, fostering an environment that transcends socioeconomic, cultural, and age barriers. In this common space, men are inherently attuned to dialogue, allowing for discussions on sensitive topics to unfold naturally.

2. Peer-to-Peer Influence: Within barbershops, conversations flow organically, driven by the powerful dynamic of peer influence. Men are more likely to listen to fellow men, and barbers act as conduits for

disseminating knowledge, insights, and experiences. Harnessing this peer-to-peer dynamic, discussions on bystander awareness and stepping outside the “man box” gain authenticity, seeding change through shared stories.

3. Barbers Cut Through: As skilled craftsmen of hair, barbers possess an innate ability to cut through barriers, both literal and metaphorical. Just as they sculpt hair, they sculpt conversations, shaping discussions around challenging topics with finesse and subtlety. This unique rapport allows barbers to steer conversations towards affirmative consent and technology-facilitated abuse, introducing essential concepts in a non-threatening manner.

4. A Male Haven of Vulnerability: Barbershops double as havens of vulnerability, where men lower their guards and reveal their authentic selves. Shielded from societal pressures, they find solace in an environment devoid of judgment. Within this safe space, discussions flourish, and challenging norms – be it dismantling the “mansophere” or practicing affirmative consent –become less daunting.

5. Sense of Belonging and Trust: In barbershops, a profound sense of belonging and trust thrives, allowing men to explore complex issues with open minds. This camaraderie nurtures an environment where discussions on bystander awareness and technology-facilitated abuse become synonymous with solidarity and empathy.

In this symphony of clippers and conversations, barbershops emerge as unlikely yet invaluable platforms for transformative change. Through their place-based, peer-to-peer influence, adept ability to cut through barriers, provision of a male sanctuary, and cultivation of trust, these unassuming spaces become epicentres of dialogue, awareness, and action. By embracing the potential of barbershops, we tap into a harmonious cadence that resonates with men, nurturing a culture of understanding, empathy, and change.

White Ribbon Australia has facilitated pop-ups in Darwin, Sydney, and Brisbane, providing more than 2200 haircuts and conversations of change since July 2023.

Can you tell us a little about your sponsorship of The Barber Hub at Hair Festival?

The success story of our pop-up barbershops in late 2022 has unfolded across vibrant cities – from Brisbane and Darwin to the bustling streets of Sydney. Our vision, however, stretches far beyond city its. It’s a harmonious refrain that resonates Australiawide, a rhythm that compels us to embark on a transformative journey together.

This is why we ventured to the forefront of the hair industry, the prestigious Hair Festival in Australia, to share our dynamic concept with a broader audience, igniting a nationwide movement where barbers take the lead in igniting change. Our pop-up barbershops have painted an inspiring tapestry of

engagement, breathing life into important discussions around vital issues. Now, the time has come to unfurl this canvas across the vast expanse of our nation. With each snip of scissors and every heartfelt conversation, our pop-up barbershops become more than grooming spaces; they become beacons of change, inviting every community to partake in this shared endeavour.

As we took the stage at the Hair Festival, we recognized the power of this platform – a symphony of inspiration that reverberates through the hearts and minds of industry leaders, trendsetters, and pioneers. By showcasing our journey, we extend an invitation – an invitation for every barber, every artist of hair, to become a catalyst for transformation, even if it means serving as a launching pad, propelling resources, and knowledge into the hands of men across communities far and wide.

This isn’t just about grooming appearances; it’s about grooming a new reality, where men’s engagement with crucial issues becomes a common thread weaving through the fabric of our society. From urban streets to remote corners, our pop-up barbershops beckon, offering an opportunity for every individual to step onto the stage of change.

We envision a nation where every barber becomes an agent of empowerment, where every snip of the scissors symbolizes not just a physical transformation, but a shift in perspective. This is our call, our call to arms, our call to combs, our call to embrace the potential of every conversation and every connection.

What can Barbers do to support White Ribbon and how do they go about that?

There are three things.

- Learn about resources like the Full Shave, The Top Knot, and The Mullet here: Barber Shop - White Ribbon.

- Disseminate the resources by becoming a physical resource hub.

- Become a pop-up barber, being trained in how to have a conversation of change with Australian men to stop men’s violence against women.

www.whiteribbon.org.au/barber-shop/

@whiteribbonaust