Community Matters - White Ribbon Day: Changing attitudes towards woman

 

Every year there are a number of ribbon days when coloured ribbons are used to raise awareness of a certain issue. It can be confusing as to which one is for what, or if we miss the news that week, they can just pass us by. There are pink ribbons for breast cancer, red ribbons for AIDS and HIV, orange ribbons for road safety, yellow ribbons for suicide prevention, and white ribbons for prevention of violence towards women. November 25 is International Day for Elimination of Violence against Women, and in NZ this is White Ribbon Day.

White Ribbon Day is an international campaign, led by men, to end violence against women. While most men do not use violence against women, when violence does occur it is mostly perpetrated by men. Violence affects one in three women. It can destroy families and often leads to very negative outcomes for children. Men have a positive part to play in helping to stop violence against women.

Of course we know violence occurs against everyone – men, children, older people those with disabilities – but I am inspired by this campaign which asks men to take responsibility for men’s violence and to pledge to stand up, speak out and act to prevent men’s violence against women.

The white ribbon campaign works alongside other family violence prevention programmes such as the “It’s Not Ok” Campaign, the Sophie Elliott Foundation, Women’s Refuge and is supported by service groups such as Zonta. The New Zealand All Whites are also supporting the White Ribbon campaign.

In New Zealand during the two weeks leading up to November 25, a number of events are occurring to raise awareness of the campaign. New Zealand singer songwriter Hollie Smith has dedicated her new song ‘Please’ and its proceeds to the campaign.

Communities are holding events, some businesses are giving out free white ribbons, and the largest national event is white ribbon rides where motorbike groups are visiting over 80 communities.

The main focus of the campaign this year is Respectful Relationships – saying Yes to Respect, and building awareness that respect requires equality, communication and consent, and is a powerful step towards stopping violence towards women.

However the biggest cause of violence against women is the belief that men have more rights and power than women. This white ribbon campaign asks men to challenge that view and treat women how they would like to be treated and let go of the feeling they have to be in charge.

Women and men have been campaigning for many years to end family violence, disrespectful relationships and degradation of women. Research into attitudes in New Zealand has shown that changes are occurring. Therefore it is even more concerning that recent events in the USA could cause us to lose hope and wonder if worldwide we have made any progress at all.

n Otamatea Ward councillor, Libby Jones, is involved in many community organisations in both paid and volunteer roles. She has experience in social services, health and education including governance, funding, research, clinical and management roles.
 

We all fighting a battle that no one else can see We all have our own reason, excuses we can’t release We all need a haven, when all there is, is rain We all need forgiveness to have our slates wiped clean If the cycles keep on turning, you need to break free the chains The scars may never leave you but there’s a spirit to reclaim - ‘Please’ by Hollie Smith