Speech by Craig McRae: A Stand Against Gender-Based Violence
Introduction: A Call for Change
Ladies and Gentlemen, esteemed colleagues, friends, and supporters,
Thank you for giving me this opportunity to speak today. It’s not often that I stand in front of an audience to discuss something so deeply personal, yet so profoundly important. Today, I want to talk about something that transcends the realm of football, something that touches every corner of our society—something that demands our attention, our compassion, and, most of all, our action: gender-based violence.
The Reality of Gender-Based Violence
Gender-based violence is not just a problem faced by a few—it is a pervasive issue that affects millions around the world. It takes many forms: physical abuse, emotional abuse, sexual violence, and economic exploitation. And yet, despite how widespread it is, we often remain silent, or worse, complicit, in perpetuating the environment that enables it.
I stand here today because we need to break that silence. We need to talk about it openly, without shame or fear of judgment. The truth is, gender-based violence impacts not just the victims but the entire community. It shatters families, undermines the fabric of our society, and harms the future generations who grow up in its wake.
As someone who works with young men, who has the privilege of being a mentor, I understand that our role in this conversation is not just as bystanders, but as active participants in changing the culture. We have a responsibility to challenge the status quo, to demand better of ourselves and of those around us, and to foster environments of respect and equality.
Reflecting on Leadership: What Can We Do?
In the world of sport, leadership is more than just strategy or performance on the field. It’s about influence, responsibility, and setting an example. As coaches, as players, as people who hold a public platform, we must show that we are not only skilled at what we do but that we understand the role we play in shaping the world outside of the game.
We have to ask ourselves: What are we doing to ensure that respect, dignity, and equality are values that extend beyond our locker rooms and training grounds? Are we contributing to a culture that either condones or disregards abusive behaviors? Or are we taking every opportunity to teach the next generation of athletes, leaders, and citizens that gender-based violence is never acceptable?
It’s not enough to simply condemn violence in public forums; we must take action in our daily lives. It’s not just about calling out inappropriate behaviors when we see them—it’s about changing the narrative. We must redefine what strength looks like. Strength is not measured by domination or aggression; strength is measured by respect, kindness, and empathy for others.
A Personal Commitment to Change
I know that we, as a community, have the power to create real change. It starts with us, and it starts now. But change will not happen if we continue to act as though this issue is someone else’s problem. It won’t happen if we sit in silence, hoping that the problem will somehow resolve itself. Change happens when we take a stand, when we step out of our comfort zones, and when we challenge ourselves and each other to be better.
Personally, I am committed to doing everything I can to make sure that my actions align with my words. I will continue to work tirelessly to ensure that Collingwood, as well as the broader AFL community, fosters an environment where everyone feels safe, valued, and respected—where no one is subjected to violence or abuse, no matter their gender.
And I encourage all of you—players, coaches, supporters, and anyone who loves the game—to join me in this fight. We are stronger when we stand together.
The Role of Men in Preventing Violence
Let’s be clear: gender-based violence affects women disproportionately, but it is a problem that involves us all. As men, we must take ownership of our role in the issue. It is easy to remain passive, to distance ourselves from the pain that others experience. But the reality is, we are part of the problem if we are not actively part of the solution.
This means confronting our own behavior. It means standing up against harmful attitudes and comments that perpetuate inequality. It means teaching younger generations that respect for women, for each other, is non-negotiable.
The language we use, the jokes we laugh at, the way we speak about others—these things matter. They form the culture that allows abuse to go unchecked, and they must be addressed if we want to create a future free from violence.
Working Together to End Violence
Ending gender-based violence isn’t something any one of us can do alone. It requires collective action. It requires the support of families, communities, governments, and organizations committed to education, intervention, and rehabilitation. It means standing in solidarity with victims and survivors, listening to their stories, and ensuring they have the resources and support they need to rebuild their lives.
We must also prioritize education—teaching young people, from a very early age, about the importance of equality and respect. We need to challenge outdated stereotypes and harmful norms. These lessons can’t wait until they’re adults. The work must start in schools, in homes, and yes, in sporting clubs. Sport has a unique power to influence behavior and to lead the way in promoting social change.
The Power of Community
Finally, I want to remind all of us that this fight against gender-based violence is not one that will be won in isolation. We need the support of everyone in our community—families, educators, business leaders, and, of course, the survivors who have endured unspeakable pain. Their courage and resilience must be honored, and we must work tirelessly to create a world where they no longer have to live in fear.
As a coach, as a leader, and as a man, I am committed to ensuring that we do everything in our power to make this vision a reality. It is not enough to wait for change—we must create it. We must act now, together.
Conclusion: A Collective Responsibility
In closing, let me remind you that we all have a part to play in ending gender-based violence. This is not just a women’s issue or a minority issue—it is a human issue, and it is a matter of justice. Every single one of us has the power to make a difference. Every word we speak, every action we take, contributes to shaping the world around us.
So, let us stand united in this cause. Let us challenge the culture of silence and complicity, and let us build a future where gender-based violence is not just rare, but unthinkable.
Thank you.
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