White Ribbon Day 25 November 2010
Every week in Australia, at least one woman is killed by her current or former partner, often after a history of domestic violence. Domestic violence is the leading contributor to death, disability and illness of women under 45.
Domestic violence is a key issue affecting the educational outcomes of many students in schools. One in four children witness violence against their mother in their homes
On November 25, IEUA members are urged to demonstrate their opposition to violence against women by participating in White Ribbon Day.
The Origins of White Ribbon Day
In 1991, on the second anniversary of the massacre of 14 women by a lone gunman in Montreal, Canada, a handful of Canadian men initiated a White Ribbon campaign to urge men to speak out against violence against women.
Wearing a white ribbon, particularly in the weeks leading up to the anniversary of the women’s deaths, represented men’s public pledge never to commit, excuse or remain silent about violence against women.
That first effort achieved the distribution of 100,000 white ribbons to men across Canada, and promoted widespread community discussion about violence in personal relationships.
The White Ribbon Campaign has spread to countries on every continent, and commences each year on November 25, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women.
In December 1999, the 54th session of the United Nations General Assembly adopted Resolution 54/134 declaring November 25 the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women.
The focus of the White Ribbon campaign is to encourage cultural change so that physical or psychological violence is never seen as acceptable.
In particular, the White Ribbon campaign is implementing a range of programs in schools, sport and workplaces to promote non-violent relationships and to empower boys and men to speak out against violence.
On November 25, Wear a White Ribbon.
IEUA members are urged to wear a white ribbon on November 25.
By wearing a white ribbon, IEUA members make a public demonstration that we do not tolerate violence against women, and we are committed to supporting community action to stop such violence