Our History
MAGIC began in 2018. Spurred by the words of Betty Taylor, CEO of the Red Rose Foundation, a small group of men and women came together to organise the “Men’s Rally for Women’s Safety”, held on 22 July 2018 to speak out against violence against women. It was supported by major anti-violence groups such as White Ribbon, YFS, Safe Haven, and Red Rose. Over one hundred people attended.
This event was the basis for the formation of the Men Against Gender Injustice Collective. The organisers of the event, plus others, formed MAGIC, and this organising committee of six or so people has met regularly since August 2018. A wider pool of people are members of MAGIC and on its mailing list, with many first signing up at the July 2018 event.
MAGIC held six public events over 2018-2019. These include gigs and panel events, workshops, and a film screening. Some of these events have raised funds for local domestic violence services. MAGIC’s events thus far include:
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Rally, Men’s March for Women’s Safety
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Band Together 2018: Panel and Gig on sexism in the music industry
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Screening of documentary “The Bystander Moment” and facilitated discussion
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Workshop: Challenging Everyday Sexism
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Workshop: Sex, Dating, and Relationships after #MeToo
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Band Together 2019: Panel and Gig on sexism in the music industry
In January 2020, a man who was a member of MAGIC assaulted his female partner. In response, he was withdrawn from any organisational and administrative roles in the group, and members of MAGIC are working with him to hold him accountable for his actions and support him in addressing his violence.
MAGIC has ideas for a range of events and activities in 2020. These include further public workshops, collaborations with women’s and violence prevention groups and organisations, and another ‘Band Together’ event in late 2020.