Basque institutions are implementing a “country campaign” to address male violence, with the goal of engaging the entire community

• “Failing to acknowledge male violence is an act of support. Let’s unite to stop it.” This the campaign motto, promoted by Emakunde, the three provincial councils and EUDEL on 25 November.
• In his presentation, the President of the Basque Country addressed a group of young people on the increasing trivialisation of violence against women, particularly in digital spaces.

The campaign scheduled for 25 November, which is the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, will once again be a unified inter-institutional campaign in the Basque Country. This year, its status as a “country campaign” has been further solidified, with the President Imanol Pradales holding a meeting with young people at the Presidency’s Office.

This year, Emakunde, the provincial councils of Araba, Bizkaia and Gipuzkoa and EUDEL are launching a joint campaign to encourage the public to unite in the fight against male violence, considering the growing trend of denialism. Under the slogan “Failing to acknowledge male violence is an act of support. Let’s unite to stop it”, it is a call on the public to take a stand against the trivialisation of violence against women.

The campaign spot shows some violence-denying phrases that can be found in the networks, such as 'Violence against women is an invention', 'Violence has no gender' or 'There is machismo in other countries, but not here', and responds with a fact: In 2023, a total of 6,513 reports of violence against women were registered.

Following the viewing of the advertisement, the President engaged in a discussion with a group of young people, during which he reflected on the issue of violence against women. In particular, he addressed the prevalence of sexist, denigrating and anti-equality messages that girls and boys encounter daily in the digital environment. The President informed the attendees that “the Basque Government considers the construction of a society free of sexist violence to be a priority.” Furthermore, he highlighted “the necessity of monitoring the advancement of the far-right in Europe and worldwide, which he identified as a driving force behind the negationist discourse on sexist violence against women and a reaction against equality between women and men.”

Regarding the situation, the President highlighted his confidence in Basque youth, noting “their consistent support for gender equality.” He also emphasized the importance of creating opportunities for dialogue with young people. He stated that the joint reflection exercise held today is an illustration of the government's commitment to engage with the public, particularly young people, and to actively listen to their perspectives.

Miren Elgarresta, Director of Emakunde, and Elisa García Mingo, Professor at the Complutense University of Madrid and expert on violence in the digital environment, participated in the session with young people, providing context on the issue and engaging them through their questions. These include the Incels, tradwives, gymbros and cryptobros, as well as other terms currently used in digital environments.

Miren Elgarresta placed particular emphasis on the pivotal role of young people in driving the necessary social transformation in favour of equality. The director of Emakunde addressed the young people, assuring them that “we know that most young people believe in the equality of women and men and are in favour of a life free of sexist violence. It is therefore important for us to understand the sources of these messages and to have the resources to prevent them from influencing us”.

At the event, Esther Apraiz, president of EUDEL, emphasised the commitment of local councils “to establish a collective retaining wall in municipalities in response to any reaction that denies or trivialises violence against women.” She recalled that the EUDEL 25 November Declaration encourages young people, particularly boys, to adopt a critical stance and take a stand against misogynistic, violent and anti-equality messages. She also recommended greater visibility of the 'purple dot'.

Joana del Hoyo, Director of Equality and Human Rights at the Provincial Council of Araba, has stated that "denying male violence, directly or indirectly, is to support its existence." She adds that "for this reason, we need each person, regardless of gender or age, to become an active part of the solution.” "Each time we remain silent in the face of a sexist comment, minimise the experience of a victim, or question the need for equality policies, we are allowing gender-based violence to continue," she said.

Nerea Isasi, Director of Equality at the Provincial Council of Gipuzkoa, has stated that “violence against women is evolving in the digital age, with an immeasurable expansion in its reach. At the Provincial Council of Gipuzkoa, we are resolute in our commitment to address this reality and to develop tailored strategies to prevent and combat gender violence in all its forms, as well as to discredit and counteract negationist discourses.”

The Director of Equality of Bizkaia, Trinidad Vicente, has confirmed that the regional institution is partnering with the campaign “to gain support from young people.” “A youth that, far from denying inequalities and male violence, is taking to the streets to demand an egalitarian society free of violence against women," she added.

The campaign will run from today until 25 November across a range of media, including television, radio, print, social networks and other advertising channels.