Aleksander Barkov Denounces Disrespectful Talk About Women in Locker Rooms

Finnish ice hockey star Aleksander Barkov is lending his voice to the UN Women's "All Men's Affair" campaign, urging men to actively prevent and end violence against women. Barkov, a two-time Stanley Cup winner and world champion, stated his deep concern over the "generalized cases of violence against women in the news and social media."

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Generalized cases of violence against women in the news and social media are sad to read.

The campaign, which also includes Paralympic champion Leo-Pekka Tähti and former footballer Mikael Forssell, is championed by Finland's President Alexander Stubb. Barkov accepted the president's challenge to join, seeing it as an opportunity to bring visibility to a critical issue. "It's good that he challenged me, if I can, from my part, bring visibility to an important cause," Barkov commented.

Barkov highlighted the alarming statistics, noting that 14 women have been murdered in Finland in 2026 alone, with most cases occurring within intimate relationships. He finds the EU statistics, indicating that 57 percent of women in Finland have experienced physical, threatening, or sexual violence, "very worrying."

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It's good that he challenged me, if I can, from my part, bring visibility to an important cause.

"I wish that no woman would have to face violence or hate speech, but that women would feel safe in the company of men. That's why it's important to bring this issue up," the hockey player stated. Barkov also shared his personal experiences, having witnessed instances of women being spoken about disrespectfully. He firmly stated, "I do not accept any kind of bullying or demeaning behavior towards women or anyone, and I will intervene."

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I wish that no woman would have to face violence or hate speech, but that women would feel safe in the company of men. That's why it's important to bring this issue up.

Addressing the notorious reputation of men's ice hockey dressing rooms, Barkov, who captained the national team at the recent World Championships and also captains the Florida Panthers, is committed to fostering respect. "In my time, everyone is spoken of respectfully in the dressing room, and inappropriate behavior or remarks about women do not belong there," he asserted. Barkov encourages men to observe their surroundings and intervene when they witness disrespect or violence, emphasizing that small actions can create a safer space for women.

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I do not accept any kind of bullying or demeaning behavior towards women or anyone, and I will intervene.