Today is not only the 25th November, it’s also a very important day for women in our community. It’s white Ribbon Day which is actually a day started by men to bring attention to the issue of violence against women in an effort to end it. Sadly too many women in New Zealand still experience violence in their lives, but it’s not just a problem for them, it’s a problem for their family and friends and a much broader societal problem. Click here to find out more about the White Ribbon Campaign in New Zealand and take the pledge.
Below are a few photos from today’s event in Manukau.
The White Ribbon Campaign in New Zealand is a meld of the White Ribbon Day movement in Canada and the United Nations international day for Elimination of Violence Against Women, which is celebrated on 25 November each year. The campaign which now takes place during the whole month of November is driven by a campaign team and community groups in towns and cities throughout New Zealand. White Ribbon events and activities are increasingly supported by businesses, cultural groups, sporting teams, local government, and a wide range of community and government agencies.
Marica Picot, Len Brown and Shan Inglis at Manukau’s Hayman Park.
There were speeches from a number of people with sickening facts and figures being quoted. I hadn’t realised that one in three women experience violence from a partner in their lifetime, while on average, fourteen women are killed each year by a member of their own family.
White Ribbon is an international movement that condemns men’s violence towards women. Each November, White Ribbon runs a month-long campaign that culminates on 25 November, White Ribbon Day. This year, how about you take the pledge and help change attitudes and behaviour towards abuse of women.
So, the event was great. Great food, music and dance. Plenty of fun things for the kids too with bouncy castles, face painting and opportunities to draw and colour in flags. Let’s just hope the Mums and Dads got the message as well as had a great day out.
