White Ribbon Australia

Breaking the Silence in Schools

2011-07-04T11:08:00.006+10:00

On 18th May this year, White Ribbon hosted the first of three Breaking the Silence in Schools workshops for 2011. The Breaking the Silence in Schools program is a partnership between Suzanne Grae, the NSW Department of Training and Education, the schools participating and the White Ribbon Foundation.

Breaking the Silence involves principals and other executives in our schools developing strategies to raise awareness of the issue of violence against women and girls, and implementing programs aimed at developing respectful relationships. This program is unique in that it involves incorporating White Ribbon approaches into existing school programs, and polices, and working with students, teaching staff and parent communities to create a ‘whole of school’ positive culture that promotes respectful relationships.

Principals who participated in this latest workshop were enthusiastic about the program and identified a number of initiatives to help embed the messages of respect in their own school context.

The second workshop, to be held on 20th July 2011, is fast-approaching and is shaping-up to be an exciting session. In this up-coming workshop the principals return to reflect on the progress of initiatives to date and to generate ideas for White Ribbon Day activities later in the year.

2011-05-31T13:28:00.004+10:00

One of the recurring themes that I, as a legal practitioner, confront when dealing with issues of family and domestic violence in the context of Family Law Matters is the astonishing lack of responsibility and even blatant denial of the violent acts committed by an intimate partner and/or husband in the face of cold hard evidence that shows that the violent acts indeed occurred.

The degree and extent of the denial of the violent acts committed vary, depending of course upon the individual perpetrator. It is often the case that excuses are made that somehow diminish or justify the severity of the act, such as, this was a one off event or “she started it”.

However there are times when even I, an experienced legal practitioner am genuinely shocked by the absolute denial of any wrongdoing by the perpetrator even when they are locked in their prison cell, charged and convicted of assault on their wife/partner and mother of their children.

In a recent case of mine I represented the wife and mother, who had been held a prisoner by her husband for a period of 4 months, whilst he beat and degraded her daily, controlled her every movements and committed unspeakable acts of violence against her in the presence of the four children, ranging in ages from 3 to 7 years.
This woman mustered all her courage and one morning whilst her husband was asleep and with the support of her neighbour, managed to escape with her children to the nearest police station. She was covered in bruises from head to toe and needed to spend over a week in hospital to recover. She continues to suffer physical pain from the horrific assault that she endured at the hands of her husband.

The matter continues to be in the Family Court of Australia because this father from his prison cell continues to press his application that his 4 children should visit him every alternate weekend as he believes that they are missing him and that their mother is a woman who is alienating the children from him.

To make matters worse his mother is supporting his application and believes that her son is an innocent man wrongly accused, even though there is evidence that strongly suggests she was a witness to the crime and complicit with his conduct.
It is impossible to see how this attitude supported by an older woman can shift and open the way to change and eliminating violence against women and children.
Although this is an extreme case, there are numerous other matters that I have been involved in where time and time again the woman is blamed for the violent actions of their intimate partners and the perpetrator of this behaviour seeks to excuse and justify it.

It is my personal view that until such time that individual men take full and complete personal responsibility for their violent and criminal behaviour, without seeking to blame the victim – then, and only then, will change occur and the healing process can begin.

Pamela Cominos is a Sydney – based legal practitioner who practices predominately in Family Law and De Facto litigation.

AFL and Victoria Police team up to fight violence against women

2011-04-29T14:10:00.006+10:00

Last year Western Bulldogs coach Rodney Eade, North Melbourne forward Drew Petrie and Melbourne young gun Jack Trengove lent their support to White Ribbon Day by producing a powerful video regarding the issue of violence against women.

The trio appear in the six-minute clip with Victoria Police members who reveal shocking statistics on the number of women who are subject to abuse each year.

Read more and watch the video here: http://www.afl.com.au/news/newsarticle/tabid/208/newsid/105712/default.aspx

Former Family Services Australia CEO takes top job at White Ribbon

2011-03-28T17:33:00.005+11:00

28 MARCH 2011 – Former Family Services Australia CEO and former National Director of UnitingCare Australia, Libby Davies, has been appointed as CEO for the White Ribbon Foundation – the only national organisation working to prevent violence against women. Libby will take up her appointment in the Foundation’s Sydney office on 11 April, 2011

“Libby brings to the role deep experience across the health and welfare sectors at a national level through leadership of a number of key organisations,” said Andrew O’Keefe, who is Chairman of the Board of the White Ribbon Foundation. “Libby has also made significant contributions to ministerial and sector-wide advisory committees and boards.”

As Chief Executive Officer of Family Services Australia from 2001 to 2006, Libby worked closely with 88 member organisations to achieve the highest levels of service delivery across the sector and was an effective conduit to Government on behalf of member organisations.

Prior to her role at Family Services Australia, Libby was National Director of UnitingCare Australia, the national peak Uniting Church body on community service matters. In this role she managed the National Secretariat, built the organisation’s profile, lobbied Government and represented Uniting Care Australia in national forums.

For the last four years, Libby has worked in a number of advisory, consultancy and interim roles, including Senior Policy Advisor for the Rural Doctors Association of Australia, and Interim Executive Director for Anglicare Australia.

"To be joining the Foundation at this time in its history and to share in its ongoing growth is a great privilege,” said Libby Davies. “I look forward to being a part of the dedicated team as we continue to consolidate and progress its vital work."

ENDS

Media Contacts:
Kate Alexander
White Ribbon Foundation
P: 02 9045 8419
E: kate.alexander@whiteribbon.org.au

Youth Project Officer from the Islamic Council of Victoria: "We must end violence against women"

2011-03-25T10:12:00.007+11:00

Together we can create a world that not only treats women as equals, but ensures that they enjoy lives free from oppression, violence and subjugation, writes Mohammed El-leissy, Youth Project Officer at the Islamic Council of Victoria and a member of White Ribbon's National Leadership Group.

The world celebrated International Women’s Day on 8 March – an event created exactly 100 years ago to celebrate the economic, social and political achievements of women all across the globe, while also acknowledging there is still noticeable inequality in many parts of daily life.

According to the United Nations Development Program, 75% of all women cannot get bank loans because they have unpaid or insecure jobs and lack property ownership rights. Women are also 21% less likely than men to own a mobile phone and therefore to have similar communication possibilities.

In Australia this year, 236 events were held to mark this day, right around the country.
While things are slowly improving for women, it’s still very far from perfect. One of the greatest moral issues of our time is violence against women. Perpetrated predominately in a domestic setting, it is a social ill that has not escaped any country, culture or social class in the world.

In Australia, people of all ages – but especially young people – are coming together to combat this problem.

One of the leading organisations working on this issue is the White Ribbon campaign, originally started in Canada in 1991 and now spread across 57 countries.

Already the campaign has recruited 1400 Ambassadors and more than 13,000 Australians have sworn never to commit, condone or remain silent about violence against women. Among the young people on the National Leaders Group, which sets the agenda for the White Ribbon campaign, are Keelia Fitzpatrick, the women’s officer for the National Union of Students, as well as Reece Harley, a member of the Western Australia Youth Advisory Committee.

Young people not only have a huge role to play in ending domestic violence against women, but in fact are probably the most important part of the puzzle.

Sexist views usually have their roots at a very early age. They might occur in college sports or when people hang with mates make sexist remarks in a joking way. There has been an upsurge in the number of sexist groups people can join on Facebook (with names such as ‘why does a woman need to go to college, you don’t need a degree to make a sandwich’). This creates a sense that not only being denigrating to women is perfectly ok – it’s even humorous.

Young people have played a huge role in social change, and while it may be hard for some adults to change their behavior, there is always hope with every new generation.
Together we can create a world that not only treats women as equals with men, but ensures that they live a life free from oppression, violence and subjugation!

Mohammed's article first appeared on http://www.yourcommonwealth.org/pacific/correspondence-violence-against-women-is-one-of-our-greatest-moral-issues/

Men’s roles in building a feminist future

2011-03-07T14:04:00.009+11:00

Dr Michael Flood - Australian sociologist at the University of Wollongong and White Ribbon Campaign Ambassador

Introduction

Across the globe, there is growing interest in the question of boys’ and men’s roles in fostering gender equality. And men’s involvement in work towards gender equality is increasingly visible.

Why should we involve men in this work?

There are three broad reasons to involve men in our work towards gender equality

1. Recognition of men as gendered, and increasing focus on gender relations

First, just like women, men are gendered. Men’s lives are shaped, as much as women’s, by gender constructions and gender relations. While the word ‘gender’ often is code for women, there is growing recognition that men too are gendered beings who participate in gender relations.

2. Recognition of men’s roles in maintaining gender inequality

Second, men must change if we are to achieve gender equality. Gender injustice is sustained in large part by men’s attitudes and men’s behaviours. Gender inequality often is understood in terms of female disadvantage, but it can equally well be understood in terms of male privilege. Sexual discrimination often is understood in terms of women’s exclusion from economic and political life, but it can equally well be understood in terms of men’s monopoly of economic and political life. For example, when we point out that women represent only 5 per cent of the board members of companies in Australia, it’s just as useful to say that men represent 95 per cent.We know that many men participate in sexist practices and the maintenance of unjust gender relations, men often play a crucial role as ‘gatekeepers’ of the current gender order, and patterns of gender injustice are tied to social constructions of masculinity and male identity.

3. Recognition of men’s roles (and stake) in fostering gender equality

But work with men has been fuelled also by a third and more hopeful insight: that men have a positive role to play in fostering gender equality. There is growing recognition that gender inequality is an issue of concern to women and men alike and that men have a stake in ending gender inequality. Many men are living already in gender-just ways: they respect and care for the women and girls in their lives, and they reject sexist norms of manhood. Some men already are playing a role in fostering gender equality. Individual men in trade unions and government organisations have been important advocates for women’s rights. Internationally, small numbers of men are engaged in public efforts in support of gender equality, in such fields as violence against women and HIV/AIDS.

Why men should promote gender equality

There are two broad answers to the question, ‘Why should men promote gender equality? Why should men change?’ First, men ought to change. Given the fact of men’s unjust privilege, there is an ethical obligation for men to undermine that privilege.

Second, it is in men’s interests to change. Men themselves will benefit from supporting feminism and advancing towards gender equality. There are four clusters of reasons why boys and men may support change towards gender equality and will benefit from it.

Personal well-being

First, men’s own well-being is limited by narrow constructions of gender. Men tend to pay heavy costs — in the form of shallow relationships, poor health, and early death — for conformity with narrow definitions of masculinity.

Relational interests

Second, men and boys live in social relationships with women and girls – their wives and partners, sisters, daughters, mothers, aunts, friends and colleagues, neighbours, and so on, and the quality of every man’s life depends to a large extent on the quality of those relationships. For example, I’ve seen men support efforts towards gender equality because of their concerns about and hopes for their daughters and their love for the women in their lives.

Collective interests

Third, gender reform benefits the well-being of the communities in which men live. For example, men may recognise that they and their communities benefit from flexibility in divisions of labour, from improvements in women’s health and well-being, and so on.

Principle

Finally, boys and men may support gender equality because of their ethical, political, or spiritual commitments – their support for ideals of equality or liberation, their faith-based belief in ideals of compassion and justice, or their sympathy to progressive political values and movements.

What men can do

So, what can men do to promote gender equality?

Individual men can;

Address our own sexist and dominating behaviour: in the bedroom, the kitchen, in the workplace and on the street.
Challenge and interrupt sexist remarks, jokes, and stories.
Share the domestic labour: do the washing up, vacuum, and clean the bathroom and loo.
Listen to women and learn from women. Give time and respect to women’s accounts of their lives and to women’s voices.
Don’t fund sexism. Refuse to buy any magazine, rent any film, subscribe to any Web site, or buy any music that portrays girls or women in a sexually degrading or abusive manner.
Be a gender-just role model, a mentor, for the boys (and girls) in your life. Talk to and teach boys and young men about healthy relationships.
Make your vote count. Vote for candidates and parties committed to gender equality.
Educate yourself: Attend programs; take courses, watch films, and read articles and books about gender inequality and feminism.
Give your time or your money: volunteer for and donate to organizations working to end violence against women or for gender equality.
Take collective action.

There are some easy mistakes to make here.

One is claiming to be free of sexism, to be non-sexist. In this society, all men learn sexist thoughts and behaviours, all of us receive patriarchal privileges whether we want to or not, and all of us are complicit to some degree in sexism. Our task is not to be non-sexist, as this is impossible, but to be anti-sexist. Yes, we can rid ourselves of particular sexist assumptions and stop practising particular sexist behaviours, but in a sexist culture we can never be entirely free of sexism.

Another issue is talking the talk but not walking the walk. There is sometimes a gap between our political aspirations and our personal practices. Perhaps this is inevitable. Personal change is partial and uneven, and our personal lives are messy and complex. Still, men have a responsibility to shift our practice, not just our rhetoric.

Another mistake is out-feministing feminists. Some men use their knowledge of feminism to do power to women: claiming to be better feminists than women, playing off one feminist against another, or taking over feminist spaces.

Making the changes I’ve described, and avoiding these mistakes, is a project of personal transformation. And this work is much more possible if men take the further step of involving themselves in collective action.

Men will only begin to make a difference to systematic patterns of gender inequality if we join each other, taking collective action for gender justice. As that bumper sticker says, “Don’t Agonise, Organise!”

Men must mobilise, creating men’s groups and networks dedicated to building gender equality.

There are other, local strategies which men can adopt.

I’ve written elsewhere of how best to educate men about gender issues. But I want to stress that we must use engaging and innovative techniques to foster men’s support for and commitment to gender equality. These might include exercises in gender reversal or ‘walking in women’s shoes’, listening directly to women’s experiences, local stories and examples, personalising women’s suffering, making comparisons with other forms of inequality, drawing on culturally appropriate texts and stories in critiquing gender inequality such as religious texts, local myths and fables, and, on the other hand, using the language of human rights, fairness, justice, and so on.

Another strategy is grassroots groups and action: organising local groups of men, in school or university, at a workplace, or among a circle of friends, to work against sexism and violence against women.

Another strategy is peer education. There’s growing interest in recruiting and training men as peer educators, educating other men on issues of violence against women for example in rugby league and AFL.

Women and women’s organisations may want to find male allies and supporters. Some women’s groups engage with existing men’s groups. Mainstream men’s organisations – Rotary and Lions clubs, trade unions, sports clubs, and other male-dominated organisations and contexts – can be just as promising as sources of support.

Achieving progress towards gender equality requires that we go beyond working with men as isolated individuals and work towards broader forms of social and political change in the communities in which they live. We must organise and foster grassroots men’s groups and networks committed to advocacy for gender equality. At the broadest level, involving men and boys in work towards gender equality involves ‘gender mainstreaming’, the integration of gender issues and feminist agendas into the policy and programming of governments, businesses, and so on.

The bottom line is that we will not progress much towards gender equality without support, and change, among men themselves. I hope that you will join me in inviting men into this project.

Online resources on men’s roles in building gender equality

Readings on men and gender issues

XYonline is a website on men and gender issues, at http://www.xyonline.net/. It includes a substantial collection of over 100 accessible articles on men, gender, masculinity, and sexuality, here: http://www.xyonline.net/articles.

See e.g. the articles on men’s work in helping to stop violence against women, here: http://www.xyonline.net/category/article-content/violence

And critiques of ‘fathers’ rights’ and ‘men’s rights’ claims about family law, violence, custody, etc., here: http://www.xyonline.net/category/article-content/violence

And here: http://www.xyonline.net/category/article-content/mens-fathers-rights

And general articles on men and gender issues, here: http://www.xyonline.net/category/article-content/activism-politics

Web sites on men and gender

XYonline also includes a substantial collection of links to other websites on men and masculinities, here: http://www.xyonline.net/links

See e.g. the collection of links on involving men in building gender equality, here: http://www.xyonline.net/links#a1

And the links on men’s anti-violence work, here: http://www.xyonline.net/links#a2

The Men’s Bibliography: academic scholarship

A comprehensive bibliography of academic writing on men, masculinities, gender, and sexualities, listing over 22,000 works. It is free at: http://mensbiblio.xyonline.net/

This includes for example;

The best reading on men and masculinities:

http://mensbiblio.xyonline.net/bestreading.html#Heading1

Articles and books on men, gender and feminism: http://mensbiblio.xyonline.net/menfeminism.html#Heading1

Academic references on men’s anti-violence work: http://mensbiblio.xyonline.net/violence2.html#Antiviolenceactivism

Why the new 'porn norm' is hurting women - The Sydney Morning Herald

2011-03-03T08:47:00.003+11:00

We read this article today and wanted to know your thoughts on the issue?

The author notes that: "Recent research shows that acts of aggression against women are a commonplace – indeed expected – part of the porn narrative...The research found that physical aggression was present in 88 per cent of scenes. Of these, there was an average of 12 aggressive acts per scene. In addition, name-calling occurred in about half of all scenes."

What effect do these films have on viewers? Are films such as these desensitising us to the issue of sexual violence?

Read the article and let us know what you think.

If you or someone you know are experiencing violence and need help or support, please contact one of the support services listed on our website.

Sydney Boys High School: the "boy effect" on the "girl effect"

2011-03-02T10:19:00.007+11:00

Here's a film from a group of year 10 students at Sydney Boys High School which is a perfect example of what White Ribbon is all about.

As part of their Community Action Project for High Resolves, the boys chose to do a project to raise awareness about gender equality.

What's even more impressive is that they're spreading their message about why we should care about the issue of violence against women to other high school students. They're calling it the "boy effect" on the "girl effect" - and we love it!

Watch the video here.

ALRC releases Issues Papers on Family Violence and Commonwealth Laws

2011-03-02T09:19:00.001+11:00

On 23 February, 2011, the Australian Law Reform Commission (ALRC) released the first in a series of four Issues Papers for its second Inquiry into Family Violence and Commonwealth Laws.

This inquiry focuses on the treatment of family violence in specific areas of Commonwealth law – including child support and family assistance law, immigration law, employment law, social security law, superannuation law and privacy law.

In the first of the Issues Paper, Family Violence—Employment and Superannuation (IP 36), the ALRC is asking: how can job search assistance provided through Job Services Australia be improved for victims of family violence; should the National Employment Standards, enterprise agreements or modern awards provide for the granting of family violence leave or other measures to assist victims of family violence; should family violence be better recognised as an occupational health and safety problem, where it affects the workplace; and how can superannuation law provide better protection to victims of family violence who may be coerced into transferring superannuation benefits or want early access to funds?

The first Issues Paper is available now to view or download from the ALRC’s website. Submissions addressing the questions in each Issues Papers may be made in writing, by email or using the ALRC’s online submission form. The closing date for submissions relating to Family Violence—Employment and Superannuation (IP 36) is 6 April 2011.

For more information, read the ALRC's media release here.

No to violence - White Ribbon mentioned in the SMH

2011-02-25T10:02:00.000+11:00

White Ribbon's national plan briefing which was held in Sydney yesterday has been noted in today's Sydney Morning Herald. Read the article here (third article down).

Interesting article - The New York Times

2011-02-24T17:41:00.000+11:00

Read an interesting article on the incidence of domestic violence in Spain today, "Spain Struggles to Tackle Domestic Violence" from The New York Times.

What do you think?

Government Endorses National Plan to Reduce Violence against Women and Children

2011-02-15T16:38:00.003+11:00

The Australian Government has endorsed the National Plan to Reduce Violence against Women and their Children 2010-2022. Minister for the Status of Women Kate Ellis and Attorney General Robert McClelland announced the endorsement by Commonwealth, State and Territory Governments today.

The White Ribbon Foundation played a key role in the development of the Plan, with Board Member Libby Lloyd chairing and Chairperson Andrew O'Keefe a member of the National Council to Reduce Violence against Women and their Children. The National Council developed the report 'Time for Action: The National Council’s Plan for Australia to Reduce Violence against Women and their Children, 2009-2021’. Many of the recommendations in the report have been endorsed in today's announcement.

The National Plan brings together government efforts to reduce and prevent violence against women.

Today's announcement included an emphasis on primary prevention, in conjunction with victim support services and perpetrator programs.

Highlights of the National Plan:

Supporting local community action to reduce violence against women
Commitment to support the inclusion of respectful relationships education in phase three of the Australian Curriculum.
Provision of telephone support for frontline workers such as allied health, child care and paramedics to better assist clients who have experienced violence.
New programs to stop perpetrators committing acts of violence and national standards for perpetrator programs.
Establishing a national Centre of Excellence to evaluate the effectiveness of strategies to reduce violence against women.
A Personal Safety Survey and National Community Attitudes Survey to track the impact of the new action plans every four years.
Encouraging young people to develop healthy and respectful relationships through the continuation of 'The Line' campaign and respectful relationships program.
The Australian Law Reform Commission (ALRC) inquiry into the impact of Commonwealth laws on those experiencing family violence.

For the full media release, please visit the website of The Hon Kate Ellis MP Minister for the Status of Women, here

Welcome

2011-02-15T16:14:00.005+11:00

Welcome to the new White Ribbon Campaign blog. You'll find all the latest news and research from the White Ribbon HQ updated here, so be sure to follow.

We’re also hoping this blog will help us to start a conversation with you about the issue of violence against women. Share your thoughts on the issue by commenting on the articles. If you have any ideas or suggestions for the blog, don’t hold back, tell us at kate.alexander@whiteribbon.org.au.

White Ribbon Day a Sell-Out Success

2010-11-30T14:42:00.004+11:00

Check out the White Ribbon 2010 Campaign Highlights here. Got photos and stories to share of your White Ribbon Day? We'd love to hear them! Details of how to share your photos and White Ribbon Day news here.

Men's Roles in Preventing Violence Against Women

2010-11-25T14:42:00.004+11:00

Where Men Stand: Men’s roles in ending violence against women, a report by academic Michael Flood, is a new publication by the White Ribbon Foundation, released on White Ribbon Day 2010.

The report describes how many men use violence against women, what men think about violence against women, and what role men can and do play in reducing and preventing this violence.

Most men in Australia do not use violence against women, and most believe such violence to be unacceptable. A silent majority of men disapproves of violence, but does little to prevent it. Of most concern, significant numbers of men excuse or justify violence against women. The silence, and encouragement, of male bystanders allows men’s violence against women to continue.

The report confirms that it is important that men ‘raise the bar’ for what it means to be a ‘decent bloke’, a ‘nice guy’.

This is the second report by the White Ribbon Foundation, and begins the White Ribbon Prevention Research Report Series.

Where Men Stand: Men's roles in ending violence against women

Response to Men's Health Australia - Nov 24 2010

White Ribbon Campaign Underway!

2010-11-24T14:40:00.002+11:00

The 2010 White Ribbon Campaign is well and truly underway! With events planned around Australia for November 25, we thought we'd give you a taste of what to expect.

Check-out these photosof some events and initiatives that have already started around Australia.

You can add your photos too, find out how here.

Media Release: White Ribbon Day

2010-11-24T13:54:00.001+11:00

A lot of swearing going on this
White Ribbon Day 25 November

November 25 marks White Ribbon Day, the United Nations’ International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. In Australia, the White Ribbon Campaign works to prevent violence against women by encouraging men and boys to take positive action to create change. The Campaign aims to have all Aussie men take an oath and “swear” never to commit, never to excuse and never to remain silent about violence against women. This year, the Campaign aims to have one million Aussie men take the oath!

One in three Australian women will be a victim of physical or sexual violence or abuse in her lifetime. They are the mothers, sisters, daughters or friends of men across Australia.

The White Ribbon Campaign is supported by the White Ribbon Foundation as a national Campaign to prevent and reduce violence and abuse of women. It is unique because of the focus on encouraging men to take the lead in their immediate communities and networks, by speaking out about violence and challenging the attitudes that allow violence in our society.

You can join the ranks of men supporting the Campaign by swearing at www.myoath.com.au.
By wearing a white ribbon or wristband on White Ribbon Day, November 25, you can show your support for the Campaign.

For more information about White Ribbon Day visit www.whiteribbonday.org.au

ENDS

White Ribbon Song

2010-11-19T14:40:00.003+11:00

These musicians have written a song called White Ribbon and it’s available to download for free on their website. Click on the link below to listen:

http://www.juliarna.com/

White Ribbon Campaign 2010 a Sell-Out Success!

2010-11-18T14:39:00.002+11:00

We've all sold out of wristbands and boxes for the 2010 Campaign. Thank you to all of our supporters for your fantastic support in making this year's campaign a sell-out success.

You can still order ribbons online here.

White Ribbon Day Just 2 Weeks Away

2010-11-12T14:39:00.002+11:00

White Ribbon Day is fast approaching. Have you ordered your ribbons and wristbands? Click here to find out how.

Order your FREE promotional materials today

2010-10-23T13:39:00.001+11:00

White Ribbon have heaps of materials to help you raise awareness about White Ribbon Day in your community, workplace, school or at your event. Click here to find out how to get your free posters, pamphlets, swear cards and tattoos today.

Join the 2011 Kokoda Trek

2010-10-20T13:37:00.004+11:00

The White Ribbon Kokoda Trek has become a highlight of our Fundraising calendar, with Chairman Andrew O'Keefe joining a group of supporters in previous years.
In 2011, we'll be making the trek again. Would you like to join?

Find out more about the 10 day Kokoda Trek in April 2011, here.

Online Event Registration is here!

2010-10-13T13:38:00.001+11:00

We've created an online event registration form to make hosting a White Ribbon Day event even easier!

If you are:

Hosting a fundraising event for White Ribbon; OR
Hosting an awarenes raising event and would like to use the White Ribbon name and logo; OR
Hosting an event or initiative that you would like us to promote on our website; OR
Looking for an Ambassador to speak at or attend your event

Then the online registration is for you! Click here to submit your form today.

The Missing Millenium Development Goal - Violence against Women

2010-10-13T13:36:00.001+11:00

Tragically, up to three-quarters of women and girls worldwide experience physical or sexual violence in their lifetime. And the effect on the millions of girls and women who are abused is devastating — not just on them personally, but also on their ability to fully participate in the development of their countries. Unless violence against women is curbed, meeting all of the eight Millennium Development Goals will be impossible.

Find out more, www.unifem.org.au

Heaps of White Ribbon Events - and lots of volunteering opportunities!

2010-10-02T12:35:00.005+10:00

With White Ribbon Day just 7 weeks away, many of our fantastic and super-committed supporters have been organising events. There are events registered in Victoria, Western Australia, New South Wales, South Australia and the Northern Territory.

If you want to get involved, or help out on the day, at any White Ribbon Day events - please contact our friendly event organisers. Details on the Events & Activities page.

The White Ribbon Foundation will also be hosting major events in Sydney, Melbourne and Canberra. We're always looking for enthusiastic volunteers to help out on the day (November 25, of course!). If you're in these major cities, and have a few hours spare on the day, we'd really appreciate your support. Email events@whiteribbonday.org.au.

Want to hold your own? It's easy - check out our Host an Event page for some great ideas and a simple registration form. All registered events will receive our Community Event Kit - jam-packed with great resources and event tips.

We've Moved!

2010-10-02T12:35:00.004+10:00

The White Ribbon NSW office has moved! Please update your address book with our new postal address:

White Ribbon Foundation
GPO Box 840
Broadway
NSW 2007

We will have some disruptions to phone, email and post contact in the coming week, so thank you in advance for your patience.

2010 White Ribbon Ambassador of the Year Announced

2010-09-22T12:34:00.003+10:00

Congratulations to White Ribbon Ambassador Nick Mazzarella, who was presented with the annual and prestigious ‘Ambassador of the Year’ Award at the White Tie Dinner!

White Ribbon Chairman Andrew O'Keefe, 2010 Ambassador of the Year Nick Mazzarella, 2009 Ambassador of the Year Charlie King

Mazzarella, Major Works Manager at Darebin City Council and White Ribbon Ambassador since 2007 was awarded the Ambassador of the Year title for his significant contribution to White Ribbon’s goal of eliminating violence against women by changing community attitudes and behaviours.

Mazzarella is a driving force in his local Council and community, founding the Darebin White Ribbon Action Team which was officially endorsed by Council in 2009. The success of the Darebin White Ribbon Action Team enabled a budget proposal for Council to fund a dedicated ‘Preventing Violence Against Women Officer.’ This part-time position was able to work with the Action Team to drive the White Ribbon campaign and community awareness-raising events throughout the year, and in particular, through the ‘16 Days of Action.’

Further to this, Mazzarella actively drives the recruitment of White Ribbon Ambassadors within the Darebin Council and the broader community and is a visible, engaging and enthusiastic speaker at numerous White Ribbon events throughout the year. In addition, his role on White Ribbon’s National Leadership Group (NLG) has seen him provide invaluable support and input to the Foundation’s strategic direction.

White Tie Dinner A Swearing Success!

2010-09-22T12:32:00.002+10:00

The 5th Annual White Tie Gala Dinner, held last week at Sydney Town Hall, was once again a huge success!

At the dinner, we launched our new TV Commercial - calling on all Australian men to swear.

Men at the dinner joined the My Oath campaign, by signing an oath - never to commit, excuse, or remain silent about violence against women.

Hosted by the White Ribbon Foundation Chairman, Andrew O’Keefe, the 5th White Tie Gala Dinner aims to raise awareness about violence against women, and to give our fantastic supporters an opportunity to showcase their support and commitment to changing attitudes toward violence against women.

The event also raises important funds to support the work of the White Ribbon Foundation, including a Silent Auction and a Raffle on the night.

Guests, including 2009 White Ribbon Ambassador of the Year Charlie King from ABC Grandstand Darwin, The Chaser’s Chris Taylor, ABC’s Steve Cannane and Brendan Maher, Director of Communications, Lifeline Australia were among the many high-profile White Ribbon Ambassadors who attended the dinner.

2010 School's Kit

2010-09-01T09:12:00.001+10:00

Download it here.

Simple Steps to Start your White Ribbon Day School Initiatives
1. Download the 2010 schools kit

2. Order Ribbons and Wristbands online
Don’t forget to let us know what other merchandise or materials you would like!

3. Register your Fundraising Event
After you’ve read through the Schools’ Kit and decided on an event or range of events you’d like to host for White Ribbon Day, you can register them with White Ribbon.

In order that White Ribbon can best support your school in hosting a White Ribbon event, there are a few short forms to fill out and some Fundraising Guidelines to consider. In most States and Territories, there are fundraising laws and practices that need to be adhered to. White Ribbon has put together a simple registration form for you to fill-out when raising funds for the Campaign, to cover these Fundraising Guidelines.

Registering your event also allows the White Ribbon team to
• Promote your event on our website and in our e-newsletters
• Find an Ambassador to speak at your event
• Provide your school with the White Ribbon Supporter logo and other resources
• Provide ongoing support for your initiatives/event

Resources for Schools

2010-08-01T09:16:00.001+10:00

Respectful Relationships
If you are a teacher and would like to find out about running an anti-violence program in your school, please send an expression of interest to events@whiteribbonday.org.au.

White Ribbon Reports on Young People and Violence against Women
Visit the resources page for the White Ribbon Paper on young people and violence against women, 'An Assault on our Future'; fact sheets and educational resources; and event materials.

Campaign in a Box

In addition to the Australian School Kit, White Ribbon Canada has kindly given us permission to use their Campaign in a Box resource, which provides a set of fully interactive exercises designed to help teach and promote healthy, equal relationships among boys and girls.

It was specifically formulated for use with children from grades 5-8 but the activities can be adapted for all grades.

White Ribbon Day 2010

2010-07-31T12:31:00.002+10:00

White Ribbon Day is fast approaching - November 25 2010! Last year, White Ribbon events were held right around the country thanks to the tireless efforts, inspirational ideas and ongoing commitment of White Ribbon supporters.

If you would like to host an event, take community action or sell ribbons, register your event on our Events and Activities Page. For any queries or assistance with your White Ribbon Day event, please contact events@whiteribbonday.org.au.

Suzanne Grae Raises over $200,000 for White Ribbon

2010-06-25T02:00:00.001+10:00

On Wednesday June 23, Suzanne Grae presented a cheque for over $200,000 to White Ribbon Chairman, Andrew O'Keefe.

This amount has been raised through the outstanding achievements of Suzanne Grae's customers and staff in support of White Ribbon. The cheque was presented at their Eastland store, Victoria,which sold the most ribbons of any store around the country.

Suzanne Grae have been supporting the White Ribbon Campaign since 2008, and have implemented a number of awareness raising and fundraising initiatives in this time. These have included their "White Fashion Week"; donating all the profits from a range of Envirosax shopping bags; selling ribbons and wristbands in store; selling chocolates in their National and State offices; and a staff giving program.

This incredible achievement in fundraising demonstrates the extent to which the White Ribbon Campaign aims have resonated with Suzanne Grae customers and staff alike. Suzanne Grae CEO, Carole Molyneux said "We are justifiably proud of our efforts to date which have exceeded our wildest expectations".

The funds raised will be used to support the Ambassador Program, and the very successful Principals' Program, Breaking the Silence in Schools, which is currently being trialled in some NSW schools.

White Ribbon would like to thank Suzanne Grae staff and their customers for their generous support, and for their ongoing commitment to ending violence against women in Australia. We look forward to continue working with Suzanne Grae to spread awareness of the White Ribbon Campaign nationally.

AFL Hall of Fame Event - Supporting White Ribbon

2010-06-04T02:00:00.001+10:00

To continue to promote the White Ribbon Foundation’s mission to eliminate violence against women all guests at the AFL’s prestigious Hall of Fame event were afforded the opportunity to show their support through the wearing of white ribbons. The Hall of Fame presentation is an occasion where some of the greats of Australian football are acknowledged for their significant contributions and achievements within the game of Australian Football.

Courtesy AFL Australia

The event is high profile and receives significant coverage across the country and is yet another example of the AFL showcasing its commitment to the White Ribbon Foundation and our ongoing partnership.

The White Ribbon Foundation wishes to take this opportunity to acknowledge and thank the AFL for its significant support, commitment and leadership in this area.

Launch of the National Survey on Community Attitudes to Violence Against Women 2009

2010-04-02T03:00:00.001+11:00

"Changing Cultures Changing Attitudes"

The Hon. Tanya Plibersek, MP, Minister for Housing and Minister for the Status of Women, launched the National Survey on Community Attitudes to Violence Against Women 2009, in Melbourne on April 7, 2010.

White Ribbon Ambassador and CEO of VicHealth, Todd Harper, spoke at the launch, emphasizing the important role men can play by talking about the issue with their peers, family and communities.

Thank you to all of the White Ribbon Ambassadors who attended the launch. The strong White Ribbon presence received a special mention by Ms Plibersek on the day.

The report commended White Ribbon’s positive engagement of men and boys in community action, and stated that "[e]ngaging men and boys in playing positive roles in ending violence against women is a crucial element of primary prevention”.

Outlining opportunities for change, the survey found that:

Men and boys are more likely than women to hold violence-supportive attitudes.
Men and boys are key agents and stakeholders in the social change process required to reshape masculinity and its role in violence.
Men and boys can positively influence the attitudes and behaviours of other men and boys.

You can download a PDF of the survey here.

2009 Schools' Kit

2009-09-01T09:18:00.000+10:00

The 2009 White Ribbon School's Kit is now available.

Download the 2009 White Ribbon Schools Kit here

An Assault on our Future: The impact of violence on young people and their relationships

2008-11-01T09:27:00.000+11:00

White Ribbon's latest report, by Michael Flood and Lara Fergus.

Download the full report here.

Download a summary of the report here.

What is the White Ribbon Campaign?

2008-02-16T15:47:00.002+11:00

In Australia, one in three women will be assaulted or abused in her lifetime. These women are our mothers, our girlfriends, our wives, our daughters, our colleagues and our friends. How have we allowed this to occur?

Not only is it unacceptable for this violence to take place, it is unacceptable that we allow certain behaviours and attitudes to go unchallenged.

Some of us experience violence first hand. Others hear stories of violence against women. Others observe it or look on from afar. The worst part? We remain silent.

If we are to move our society forward and prevent violence against women from occurring, we must speak out. We must take action to challenge attitudes and behaviours. We must not remain silent.

The White Ribbon Campaign is the only national violence prevention campaign, and it is unique in that it aims to raise awareness among Australian men and boys about the roles they can play to prevent violence against women. The campaign calls for men across Australia to speak out and take an oath. An oath swearing never to commit, excuse or remain silent about violence against women. The campaign culminates on White Ribbon Day (25 November) each year, when men and women across Australia are called to wear a white ribbon or wristband as a visual symbol of their commitment and oath.

In swearing and wearing a white ribbon, men and boys can act as positive role models and advocates for change by challenging behaviours and attitudes that have allowed of violence against women to occur.

The White Ribbon Campaign in Australia is led by more than 1000 White Ribbon Ambassadors. Ambassadors are men who are leaders in their careers, sporting code or communities and who actively support the White Ribbon Campaign, and encourage other men and boys to become aware and engaged in the campaign. Women also support and expand the campaign through their networks, workplaces and community organisations, as White Ribbon Champions.

What can Ambassadors do?

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Ambassadors support the campaign by...

Wearing a White Ribbon or wristband in the lead-up to White Ribbon Day and encouraging others to do the same;
Sharing the White Ribbon message with their local communities, particularly in rural and regional areas where White Ribbon may not otherwise have a presence;
Nominating other suitable men as Ambassadors;
Talking about their role as an Ambassador with colleagues and friends, highlighting the importance of respect for women and attitude change;
Attending events in their local community, either as a speaker or a guest with the support of White Ribbon’s Ambassador Program Manager;
Hosting awareness raising events and fundraising activities with their personal networks throughout the year, particularly around White Ribbon Day;
Encouraging community groups, local councils, workplaces, men’s organisations, sports and services clubs to buy and distribute White Ribbons;
Organising presentations in their workplaces, sporting and recreational groups with the support of White Ribbon’s Ambassador Program Manager;
Utilising personal contacts to extend the White Ribbon campaign message.
Speaking on Behalf of the White Ribbon Campaign at Community Events Some White Ribbon Ambassadors are available to speak at community events, particularly on or around White Ribbon Day.

Please note that all White Ribbon Ambassadors lend their time in a volunteer capacity. Whilst we endeavor to match an Ambassador to all speaking or event requests, this is subject to their availability.

If you would like a speaker for your event, please fill-in the online event registration form, available here, and send to Paul McGlew, Ambassador Program Manager at paul.mcglew@whiteribbon.org.au.

International White Ribbon Campaigns

2007-02-16T14:41:00.002+11:00

Austria - www.whiteribbon.at/
Brazil - www.lacobranco.org.br/
Canada - www.whiteribbon.com/
Europe - www.eurowrc.org/
Finland - www.kaapeli.fi/bjarland/whiterib//english/index.html
Ireland - www.whiteribbon.ie
Italy - www.fioccobianco.it/
NZ - www.whiteribbon.org.nz
UK - www.whiteribboncampaign.co.uk/

The following nations also participate in White Ribbon Day:

Africa:
Kenya, Morocco, Namibia, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Uganda

East Asia:
Australia, Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Japan, Laos, Malaysia, New Zealand, Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Tonga, Vietnam

Europe:
Austria, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Italy, Lithuania, Norway, Poland, Spain, Sweden, United Kingdom Latin America: Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Peru

Middle East / Former USSR:
Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Israel, Russia South

Asia:
Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka

White Ribbon History

2007-02-16T14:40:00.003+11:00

White Ribbon Day was created by a handful of Canadian men in 1991 on the second anniversary of one man's massacre of fourteen women in Montreal. They began the White Ribbon Campaign to urge men to speak out against violence against women.

In 1999, the United Nations General Assembly declared November 25 the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women (IDEVAW) and the White Ribbon has become the symbol for the day.

From 2000, the Commonwealth Government Office for Women ran awareness activities on the International Day, and, in 2003, the Australian branch of the United Nations Development Fund for Women, UNIFEM, began a partnership with men and men's organisations to make this a national campaign. Ten thousand white ribbons were distributed in 2003.

Today hundreds of thousands of white ribbons are worn by men and women across Australia - men at work; men and women in all Australian police forces; men in national and local sporting matches and organisations; men in the media; men and women in politics; men in the defence forces; men and women in capital cities and in rural and regional Australia.

The campaign continues to go from strength to strength and now boasts more than 1000 White Ribbon Ambassadors Australia wide, as well as more events across the country and more organisations and individuals participating year upon year.