环球英语 — 631：Network of Men Leaders
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Welcome to Spotlight. I’m Joshua Leo.
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And I’m Liz Waid. Spotlight uses a special English method of broadcasting. It is easier for people to understand, no matter where in the world they live.
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Anthony J Peters had a one year old daughter with his girlfriend. He also had a history of very violent behaviour. In August of 2009, he was in Milwaukee, at the Wisconsin State Fairgrounds – a place to see animals, play games, and eat food. At the fair, Anthony saw his young daughter and her grandmother, his girlfriend’s mother. He was angry. He began to argue with the grandmother. Anthony took her mobile phone from her. She began to cry for help.
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Tom Barrett heard the woman. He did not know the family. But he decided to get involved. He asked Anthony to remain calm. He stepped between Anthony and the grandmother - trying to protect her and the child. And he began calling the police on his mobile phone. Anthony was so angry that he began to beat Tom. The violence was so extreme, Anthony hit out a few of Tom’s teeth. Anthony ran away from the incident, but police caught him later that day.
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Tom Barrett was not just another man on the street. He was the mayor of the city - a local leader. Anthony had not planned to fight with Tom. He wanted to fight with the old woman. But Tom was in his way, so Anthony directed his anger at him.
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Sadly, violence against women is a common problem around the world. However, there are men like Mayor Tom Barrett standing up and fighting against this violence. They are refusing to take part in the violence, refusing to encourage it, and refusing to let it happen to others. In today’s Spotlight we tell about these men and their work to stop violence against women.
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The Secretary General of the United Nations is Ban Ki-moon. He says that almost seventy percent of women around the world experience physical or sexual violence from men. That is seven out of every ten women! You probably even know someone who has experienced domestic violence, that is, violence in the home or family. Or you may have experienced it yourself.
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Usually women suffer domestic violence from men they already know - like a husband, boyfriend or male family member. This could be physical violence or sexual violence. Men can also suffer domestic violence, but this is much less common.
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Many women feel shame when they experience domestic violence. Studies from the World Health Organization have shown that many women never even report the violence they suffer. They may only seek help if their injuries are extreme. So, the number of women who have experienced domestic violence could be much higher than people think. Women who suffer domestic violence do not feel self worth. Every person deserves to have respect and safety in their own homes.
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So, how can people stop this unacceptable violence? One way is to do what Tom Barrett did. He stepped into a dangerous situation to protect a woman from violence. But there are also other things you can do. Refuse to support men who hurt women – even if these men are your friends or family. Educate your community about its dangers. But, another way men, particularly, can work to stop this violence is by joining the Network of Men Leaders.
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The Network of Men Leaders is a group organized by UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon. This group of men leaders has promised to never support domestic violence. Each man has promised to work to prevent and punish this crime. Mr. Ban believes men have an important part in the fight against domestic violence. He says:
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“My involvement in this issue comes not just from my position as UN Secretary General. It also comes from my position as a son, husband, father and grandfather. Men have an extremely important part in ending such violence - as fathers, friends, decision makers, and community opinion leaders.”
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Mr. Ban said this as he began this Network of Men Leaders. It was a call for big change, and action. He said:
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“As I launch this Network, I call on men and boys everywhere to join us. Break the silence. When you witness violence against women and girls, do not sit back. Act. Speak out against it. Unite to change the practices and thinking that incite, cause, and encourage this violence. Violence against women and girls will not be stopped until all of us - men and boys - refuse to accept it.”
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Mr. Ban explained how many people still do not see women as equals to men. Mr. Ban said:
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“No country has fully escaped this wrong idea. Men must teach each other that real men do not violate or oppress women. They must teach each other that a woman’s place is not just in the home or the field, but in schools and offices and boardrooms.”
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Fourteen men leaders from around the world joined Mr. Ban in this exciting new Network. They were directors at centers committed to women’s rights. They were writers, Presidents and Foreign Ministers. Archbishop Desmond Tutu of South Africa was also a part. In a video message for the Network of Men Leaders he had strong words about the bad results domestic violence has on a culture. He said:
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“You are a weak man if you use your physical strengths to attack and beat women. The society that permits violence against women is a society that is on the way out. I will continue fighting until the end of my days for the right of women and girls to live a life free from violence and abuse.”
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Secretary General Ban Ki-moon and Archbishop Desmond Tutu hope that more men and boys hear their message. They hope that everyone can see the value of every person. One group like the Network of Men Leaders cannot do it alone. They depend on people everywhere to join their cause, to educate others about the dangers and costs of domestic violence, and to encourage people to change. Mr. Ban said:
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“We can create more equal and peaceful societies ONLY by working together as men and women. Only by being prepared to stand up for basic rights can we expect to achieve lasting change.”
