This week the White Ribbon organisation are hosting a South Island motorbike ride to promote healthy masculinity as part of their Unspoken Rules campaign.
Back for its ninth year, the week-long ride involves visiting towns that are in support of the group’s anti-violence messages. The team of riders are built-up of both men and women who want to reduce the terrible rates of violence in New Zealand’s communities.
South Island ride leader Ken Mahon said men aren’t encouraged to show emotions such as sadness and anger in healthy ways, which can lead to bottling up emotions, mental health problems and violence.
“This is my first year as the Ride Leader so I’m chuffed about that,” said Mahon.
“We have a great team of riders with a range of skills. Some are great at talking to students, some can play the guitar and so far they’re all very proficient riders.”
This year is the first time the myths being passed down through generations has been addressed. Men are constantly exposed to the unspoken rules such as ‘men shouldn’t cry’ and ‘you have to toughen up to be a man.’
“Being a man is about so much more than being tough. It’s about being kind, empathetic and being confident in who you are, not feeling the pressure to be an outdated stereotype,” said Mahon.
Each year the riders attend multiple events, schools, marches and talks, and this year the riders get to meet the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall who has a particular interest in family violence.
