Tackling Violence Against Women: Euro 2024 Fixtures Guide Launched
As the excitement for Euro 2024 builds, it's time to address an often-overlooked issue: the rise in violence against women and girls (VAWG) during major football events.
White Ribbon UK, a leading charity in the prevention of VAWG, has worked with us to launch an innovative Euro 2024 Fixtures Fixtures Guide.
Designed to capture the attention of football enthusiasts, the guide features the Euro 2024 fixtures along with key statistics on VAWG in football.
Read on to learn more about our collaboration and how you can get your hands on the guide:
VAWG’s Alarming Statistics
According to recent statistics, three out of five women encounter sexist abuse in person while attending a football game or visiting a pub. Additionally, incidents of sexist chants have increased fourfold in the past year.
Her Game Too states that nearly 60 percent of people have experienced sexist abuse in person at football matches or pubs. Meanwhile, Kick It Out reports that incidents of sexist mass chanting have quadrupled by the end of 2023.
Practical Guidance for Fans
Our fixtures guide with White Ribbon UK not only highlights the upcoming fixtures but also urges fans to work together to create a safer and more inclusive environment.
With practical advice on how to enjoy the match responsibly, we want to ensure everyone can have a good time without fear of violence or harassment.
For instance, when it comes to chanting, keep it fun and inclusive for everyone. Also, ask yourself if your behaviour would pass a VAR check — it's a good way to stay mindful and respectful.
Online, don't let sexist comments slide; call them out and report them. If you see sexist or harassing behaviour, a simple "that’s not okay" can really make a difference.
And if you notice something inappropriate, don't hesitate to report it to a member of staff or the police. By following these guidelines, we can all help make football a more enjoyable and respectful experience for everyone.
A Step Towards Safer Football Culture
Anthea Sully, CEO of White Ribbon UK, emphasises the importance of enjoying sports without fear.
She says, “Everyone has the right to enjoy watching sports, including football matches, without the fear of violence, abusive language, or harassment. The upcoming men's Euros tournament is a great opportunity for us to celebrate the good that can come from football and for men to show their allyship to women by making match screenings fun events for everyone."
Mark Balaam, CEO of imabi, calls attention to the broader impact of football on VAWG.
He says, “Domestic violence is a horrific side effect of football – but it’s not the only side effect. Incidents of violence against women and girls spike in other areas too. From sexist and misogynistic online abuse towards female players and supporters, to sexist mass chanting: women are all too often on the receiving end – even in the men’s version of the game.”
By putting this important information into a format that fans can relate to, we hope to create a safer and more respectful football culture with White Ribbon UK.
Get Your Hands on a Guide
A digital copy of the Euros Fixtures Guide is already available for download via our website.
Supporters can also order a physical copy of the guide through a donation. Proceeds go towards White Ribbon UK, as well as our charitable fundraising arm imabi Community CIC, which helps young people access the information and tools to stay safer, live healthier and get help where needed.
We’d like to also encourage everyone to download the imabi Guardian app for when you’re not using the rail network, our completely free, all-in-one app for on-the-go safeguarding and wellness.
