EVERY year, International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women (IDEVAW) on November 25 reminds us that violence against women isn’t a distant issue, it’s woven into our societies in ways we often overlook as men.

This year, the day was a call not just for awareness, but for action. Women have carried their struggles for generations, and it’s long past time for men to take responsibility too.

This year, IDEVAW’s global campaign theme, ‘Unite to end digital violence against all women and girls, and the activation of 16 days of activism ending December 10, means the fight against violence isn’t just physical or in our communities, it’s also digital. From online harassment to cyber-bullying, to the non-consensual sharing of intimate images, too many women and girls face danger in virtual spaces.

As men, supporting women’s rights today means confronting violence both offline and online.

Here are five ways we can show up.

Speak up for her

Men should learn what digital violence looks like, and know that it’s unwanted messages, threats, sharing photos without consent and harassment.

When you see it, don’t stay silent. Call it out, whether it’s among friends, online groups or public spaces.

Use online privileges responsibly

Use social media and online platforms responsibly. Instead of sharing harmful or insensitive jokes, avoid posting or forwarding content that normalises abuse.

Also model respectful online behaviour, showing that digital spaces don’t need to mimic offline misogyny.

Show up for her publicly

Your visibility as a man matters. It shows that this isn’t just women’s issue. Show up for her in public too, and don’t just support her in private.

Challenge harmful norms

When men normalise harassment, or “jokes” about women, or trivialise abuse, this is wrong. More men should speak up, as silence lets harassment grow unchecked.

Understand her experiences

Men can support women-led initiatives, organisations or online campaigns fighting gender-based violence, and also acknowledge women’s lived experiences.

Encourage friends and colleagues to use digital tools securely, and help the women in your life access resources you may know about, if they face abuse.

Backing women’s leadership means trusting their voices and their experiences.

As men, joining the movement in support of women’s rights after IDEVAW isn’t about taking over the conversation, it’s about taking responsibility for our role in making a difference too. This year’s theme reminds us that violence doesn’t stop at the door of the digital world, it follows women into their inboxes, their social platforms, their public images and their daily online presence. If we want a future where women and girls can live, speak and participate freely, then we have to show up consistently, visibly and intentionally.

Our role is simple but essential: listen, learn, challenge, support and act.

Jevaughnie Smith is a communications professional. Send feedback to allwoman@jamaicaobserver.com.