National organisation White Ribbon Australia does important work in preventing violence against women, with advocacy and education that is imperative to creating real change in helping men grow, learn and break the cycle. A new initiative brings barbers to the heart of that conversation, offering a Digital Barber Shop as an interactive resource hub to engage with men, and introducing Pop-up Barber Shop Experiences that put this discussion right in the chair. The organisation is utilising the community-driven, bonding environment of salon spaces to champion this cause and provide essential knowledge and education on the topic of violence against women.
In White Ribbon Australia’s Digital Barber Shop Series, a virtual iteration of the barber shop environment has been reimagined. The concept harnesses the power of technology and social media, where men and boys can now engage in candid discussions about toxic masculinity and respectful relationships in this environment, and discuss their own pivotal roles in creating a safer and more equitable world. The virtual space leans on barber shop tropes of communicating and sharing stories to emphasise the importance of open conversations.
In this digital space, the platform asks men to choose a hair style, which is really a metaphorical call to action that invites them to explore their individuality and express themselves freely. These symbolically named barber shop services serve as a commitment to embracing change and evolving away from outdated notions that perpetuate violence and inequality. The organisation is providing these resources in an accessible format that allows for users to engage with the education in an enjoyable way.
The series also strives to foster a sense of inclusivity through a virtual community, allowing men and boys from diverse backgrounds to connect, share their experiences and learn from each other’s perspectives, building empathy and compassion in the process. The series has become a go-to resource hub that inspires real-world action, asking the users to take what they’ve learned back to their own communities, workplaces and social circles to make a real, far-reaching and long-lasting difference.
White Ribbon Australia has also invested in Pop-up Barber Shop Experiences, which drive further advocacy and education in salons across the country, providing men and boys with a safe space to understand and discuss the issue of violence against women, as well as practical steps they can take to address the issue. The organisation trains barbers to have these essential conversations with their male clients, leveraging the peer-to-peer model and the camaraderie and trust shared between clients and hairdressers.
White Ribbon Australia is looking at the impact of barbers as confidants and beacons of support, as well as the inclusivity and safety of barber spaces. This is against the norm of a world that often stifles male vulnerability, and the ideal environment to truly explore these concepts and enable conversations pertaining to issues including domestic violence and abuse. The organisation sees the enormous potential of the barber sphere to help men break the cycle, unlearn harmful behaviour and grow as compassionate individuals.
White Ribbon Australia has facilitated physical Barber Shop experiences in Sydney, Brisbane and Darwin, and provided more than 2,200 haircuts with these transformative conversations, as of July 2023. They also made an appearance at Hair Festival 2023 to further this significant initiative and engage with the entire hair industry at the major June event.
The organisation and their partnered barbers and barber shops are offering critical education, conversations and insights to the men of Australia, translating the power of the salon to this cause, digitally and in the chair. With the mindset that change starts from within, and this impact now coming from within these crucial men’s spaces, White Ribbon Australia are transforming men one haircut at a time.
For more information visit www.whiteribbon.org.au
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