Shortlisted as Cosmo Man of the Year

Tuesday, 30 October 2007

Chris Green of Hebden Bridge has been short-listed as "Cosmopolitan" Man of the Year. This isn't because of Chris's centrefold potential but because of his leading role in the UK White Ribbon Campaign to ensure men take more responsibility for reducing the level of violence against women.

Yesterday, Chris called by the Hebden Bridge Web office and we recorded an audio interview (mp3) with him, asking him about the Campaign and Cosmopolitan. The award will be decided next Tuesday, 6th November - judges include Sarah Brown (wife of our Prime Minister), Jamelia ("Superstar"), Irma Kutz (agony aunt) and various other luminaries. Chris is one of three shortlisted as the "ultimate man of the year." But Chris modestly insists that the award would not be for him but for the work which is being done on behalf of the White Ribbon Campaign.

Supporters of the campaign are urged to wear a white ribbon which means that the wearer will never commit, condone or remain silent about violence against women. This national campaign is run and co-ordinated right here in Hebden Bridge. The White Ribbon Campaign also operates in about 40 different countries but is strongest in Australia, Canada and increasingly, the UK.

Although an all year campaign, White Ribbon Day is on 25th November each year which is the International Day to eradicate violence against women. "We have targeted football clubs as places where many males congregate and clubs such as Liverpool, Everton, Derby and Spurs are giving us increasing support." Chris told the Hebden Bridge Web. On Match of the Day at the time of White Ribbon Day we can expect to see many football managers wearing white ribbons in their lapels.

Chris has been involved in running the campaign for about four years. It started very quietly but now he has to keep checking his email dozens of times a day to keep up with activities and orders for ribbons,etc. As well as the website, the campaign also has an online presence on Facebook and Second Life. Chris would like to see the White Ribbon become as recognisable as the Red Ribbon for AIDS, or the Pink Ribbon for Cancer Research.

Chris Green at Downing Street reception to recognize work against Domestic Abuse See Hebweb News, September 2006

White Ribbon Campaign

Audio interview (mp3) with Chris Green