MAN UP, an Irish created campaign to highlight the positive role that men can play in ending violence against women, has been adapted, translated and is being launched in Sweden today to mark International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women.
The Swedish roll-out is the first country “syndication” of MAN UP, which has been gaining global attention since it was launched by SAFE Ireland last month. The on-line MAN UP film has attracted over 80,000 views from nearly 80 countries in just a few weeks. Following international interest, SAFE Ireland has now created a new www.manupworld.org website to encourage and support more take-up globally. SAFE Ireland is the national organisation of domestic violence support services for women and children.
MAN UP was spotted by Swedish entrepreneur Joachim Samuelsson and his wife Petra while they were in Dublin in early November. Within a few weeks, they contacted SAFE Ireland, linked with domestic violence services and with other partners from business to sport in Sweden, and are now ready to go live.
“With MAN UP, Ireland is leading the way in encouraging men to stand against domestic violence,” said Sharon O’Halloran, CEO of SAFE Ireland. “MAN UP has a universal, positive message that behind every great man there is kindness, courage and support for women and children. It’s simple, it’s strong and it’s gaining traction.”
“MAN UP shows that Ireland can be a world leader in ending violence and encouraging equality,” she continued. “We are very excited by the development of the campaign in Sweden and see the potential for the campaign messages to spread globally. It is about people turning their passion into creative action, opening the doors to their social and business networks and spreading the awareness.
Joachim Samuelsson is a successful “serial entrepreneur” and is currently chair of innovative Swedish IT company Crunchfish, which specializes in touchless interaction with mobile devices.
“MAN UP Sweden is aimed fundamentally at changing attitudes and behaviours towards women for once and for all,” he said. “We very much believe in the approach of the MAN UP campaign to engage men to stand up and say enough is enough. This is a powerful, universal message that speaks to every man in every country.”
The Irish and Swedish MAN UP campaigns have set a challenge for the 16 Days of Action Against Violence Against Women which runs from today, November 25th to December 10th. They are asking people to invite 10 friends to watch the MAN UP film and in Ireland to make a donation to the campaign and the work of SAFE Ireland with its 40 members throughout the country.
In Ireland, you can watch the MAN UP online film at www.manup.ie , share it and simply text SAFE to 50300 to donate €4.
100% of your donation goes to SAFE Ireland across most network operators. Some operators apply VAT which means that a minimum of €3.25 will go to SAFE Ireland. Service Provider: LIKECHARITY. Helpline: 0766805278.
