More about White Ribbon Day
White Ribbon Day, 25 November, is the international day when people wear a white ribbon to show that they do not condone violence towards women.
It was started by a men's movement in Canada in 1991 and has been officially adopted by the United Nations as its International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. The campaign was introduced to New Zealand by UNIFEM (the United Nations Development Fund for Women).
In this country most violence by men against women takes place in the home - with an average of 14 women a year killed by their partners or ex-partners. Each year there are over 3,500 convictions recorded against men for assaults on women and one in five women will experience sexual assault or sexual interference at some point in their lives.
In 2008 White Ribbon Day acknowledges the many men willing to show leadership and commitment to promoting safe, healthy relationships within families. The campaign also encourages men to challenge each other on attitudes and behaviour that are abusive.
About White Ribbon Day (Word 51 KB)
Growing support for White Ribbon Day
There are many businesses and organisations throughout New Zealand who actively support White Ribbon Day and who are involved in a wide range of events and initiatives. For example, Pak ‘n Save Masterton and Pak ‘n Save Kapiti have both become White Ribbon businesses, with staff wearing white ribbons throughout the year, and are both committed to promoting safe and healthy work environments.
Others businesses who are participating include Fisher and Paykel, Amcor, APN, CHH, Fletcher Aluminium, GWF, James Hardie, NuFarm, OI Glass, Owens Transport, Veolia, Glen Innes Family Centre, Mangere Law Centre, Tip Top Bakeries, Christchurch, TransMetro, Wellington, Stagecoach buses, Scouting NZ, and Auckland Regional Public Health.
Special thanks to nzherald.co.nz who are generously promoting the White Ribbon Day campaign on their website.
District health boards around the country also promote White Ribbon Day as do many city and district councils. Last year, Kapiti District Council voted to become the country's first White Ribbon council. Others councils involved include Waitakere , Papakura, Manukau, Rodney, Gisborne, Queenstown Lakes, Waitomo, Nelson, Grey District, and Far North District.
The national campaign is funded by:
The Families Commission, Ministry of Social Development, Ministry of Health, Te Puni Kokiri, Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Education, ACC, NZ Police
Other major partners are:
National Network of Stopping Violence Services
Women's Refuge
Relationship Services
Barnardos
Department of Corrections
Ministry of Women's Affairs
Auckland Regional Public Health Service
Human Rights Commission
Preventing Violence in the Home
Save the Children, Amnesty International, YMCA, Jigsaw, UNIFEM, UNICEF, YWCA
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