Following the release of a new 10-year National Plan to End Violence against Women and Children, White Ribbon Australia has called on communities across the country to come together this White Ribbon Day and start a conversation about practical solutions to end men’s violence against women and children.
National Director Allan Ball encouraged people to show their support for the fight to end men’s violence by hosting an event on White Ribbon Day, Friday 18 November and embracing the theme, Let’s be the change.
“This year, Let’s Be the Change and do what we can in our own lives and as a community every day, to contribute to a nation free of all forms of men’s violence against women. This includes bringing our men and boys in to be part of the solution,” Mr Ball said.
“Our focus is to meet men where they’re at on this issue and ask what they can do to make change in their own lives and communities, then provide them with the resources to make it happen.
“In this age of toxic male online influencers, it’s now more important than ever we are engaging men and boys in crucial conversations, connecting them to the actions they can take now and supporting them as allies over the long-term.
“It’s no longer good enough just to be aware of the problem. We need men to choose to be part of the journey of change – addressing attitudes, expectations and behaviours that uphold inequality and excuse disrespect.
“Through our education, training and advocacy, we really can address gender equality and shine a light on the positive role men and boys can play in bringing about long-term change.
”With your help on White Ribbon Day, we are one step closer to achieving this goal. Last year, Australians organised more than 200 events and this year we aim to double that at least.
“Your fundraising efforts help create the change we need in our communities; driving our primary prevention work to end men’s violence before it begins, through education, workplace accreditation, advocacy, partnerships and community-led action plans.”
Mr Ball said this White Ribbon Day is an opportunity to rewrite hope, compassion, and empathy towards one another, to create an Australia free of gendered violence.
“We need to take a considered approach to understanding what’s going on for men and boys and support them to address the root issues that cause violence and abuse. In addition, we must listen and learn from those with lived experience of family domestic violence – the victims, survivors and sector workers,” he said.
“Across the country, the momentum to address the gender-based drivers of violence against women and children has never been stronger. When we work together, we progress towards an Australia that we all want and hope to see.”
Mr Ball said people could get involved this White Ribbon Day by hosting an event to start a collective call to action, which can begin by wearing a White Ribbon and starting conversations.
“Ending men’s violence against women needs every person, every community, every school, every workplace, every sports club and every government body to commit to being a part of that change.”
People can register their events at the White Ribbon Australia website (whiteribbon.org.au) and upskill about violence prevention at our Digital Barber Shop information hub. Separately, businesses can seek out the Workplace Accreditation Program, which engages a whole of organisation commitment to eliminating men’s violence against women.
For White Ribbon Day fundraising support, email events@whiteribbon.org.au
