White Ribbon Australia is part of a global social movement working to end men’s violence against women. It began with a simple but powerful idea, that men must be part of the solution.

White Ribbon Australia’s mission is primary prevention, through education, shifting attitudes and behaviours and challenging social norms, so violence doesn’t happen in the first place. Across the country, White Ribbon partners with organisations, schools, sporting clubs and local communities to embed respect and equality into everyday culture. Through training programs, campaigns and events, White Ribbon helps people to understand that ending violence starts long before it happens.

One of White Ribbon’s most powerful initiatives is the Workplace Accreditation Program, which enables organisations to create safer and more respectful environments. The program gives workplaces the tools and frameworks to address gender inequality, support employees experiencing violence and foster a culture of accountability and care. It’s a tangible way for businesses to play their part in prevention.

Through years of working with men and boys, White Ribbon recognised a common theme, most men want to help be part of the solution, but many feel uncertain as to how they can. They fear that unless they are “perfect” in their attitudes and actions, they have no place in the conversation. This sense of pressure can lead to silence when what is really needed is participation.

Introducing Not Perfect, Better

Not Perfect, Better is built on a simple truth, none of us are perfect, but each of us can choose to be better.

The campaign acknowledges that striving to improve small, daily actions at home, at work and among friends is a meaningful step in the right direction. It invites men to see themselves not as outsiders to the issue of gender-based violence, but as a vital part of change.

Instead of using shame or blame, Not Perfect, Better encourages men to engage through empathy and accountability. It’s about having honest conversations, challenging disrespectful attitudes and being willing to support those around us who may be struggling not by judging them, but by caring enough to speak up. 

As part of the campaign, White Ribbon developed the Better Guides. Practical tools to help men reflect and grow. The guides encourage men to become:

• Better with their partner – by showing respect, communication and equality in their relationships.
• Better with their kids – by modelling empathy and healthy representations of masculinity.
• Better with their mates – by challenging disrespect and supporting one another to do better.
• Better for themselves – by looking after their own mental and emotional wellbeing.

The heart of the campaign lies in calling men in, not calling them out.

You might be reading this and thinking, “What can I really do? I’m not perfect.” That’s exactly the point. This is not a call for perfect behaviour; it’s a call for consistent improvement.

Here are a few ways to start:

• Listen - Be ready to hear how someone feels without judgement whether that’s a partner, friend, or coworker. Sometimes, the first act of prevention is simply validating someone’s experience.
• Reflect - Take a moment to think about what you’ve learned about being a man. Are there stereotypes or attitudes you’ve picked up that might shape how you treat others? Awareness is the first step to change.
• Speak up - When you hear misogynistic jokes, sexist comments, or behaviour that disrespects women, speak up. It could be as simple as, “That’s not cool, mate.”

Not Perfect, Better recognises that many men were taught outdated ideas about masculinity: that men shouldn’t show emotion, that strength means control, that vulnerability is weakness. These beliefs don’t just harm others; they also harm men by limiting how they connect with others, express themselves and heal.

Today, White Ribbon Australia’s mission is to remind us that everyone has a role to play in building a country free from violence against women. By redefining what it means to be a man we can build a culture that role models respect and equality for everyone.

To learn more about White Ribbon Australia and the Not Perfect, Better campaign or to access resources, workplace programs, and community initiatives, visit whiteribbon.org.au.