White Ribbon Day fell on November 25 and the movement asks those who were the ribbon to make a promise - to never commit, excuse or remain silent about male violence against women.
Saints and Saints Foundation staff are wearing ribbons during the 16 days of action that follow the 25th, after a report from Southampton City Council in November 2023 revealed that the city has the seventh highest rate of sexual offences in the UK.
A study by Plan International also revealed that Southampton is one of the toughest places in the UK to be a girl.
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Goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu recently visited a football tournament run by the Saints Foundation, where over 60 boys took part in gender equality workshops.
The children who played in the Premier League Kicks event were taught about the role men can have as allies and explained the repercussions their actions can have.
Saints keeper Gavin Bazunu handed ovee the trophy at a Premier League Kicks tournament.Saints keeper Gavin Bazunu handed ovee the trophy at a Premier League Kicks tournament. (Image: Southampton FC) Skye-Loren West, Gender Equality Coordinator for Saints Foundation said: “We have a responsibility to use the power of football and male engagement to make a huge impact on attitudes towards violence women and girls in the city.
“With the right education, positive male allies, and early interventions we can really start to shift those attitudes and equip young people on how to be an active bystander to make the city safer for future generations.
“As a professional footballer who young people look up to, Gavin’s time and advocacy goes a long way.”
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Saints cult hero Franny Benali also attended a Premier League Kicks session to back the campaign.
At Saints’ home match against Liverpool on November 24, organisations such as Yellow Door and Southampton City Council were at the game to offer fans more information on support services available in the city.
They also raised awareness about systems in place to help men across Southampton.
Saints Foundation staff also attended to talk about the work they have been delivering on gender equality.