What is White Ribbon Day?
White Ribbon Day or International Day for The Elimination of Violence Against Women which takes place annually on the 25th November is a day for men, and women, to show that violence against women will not be tolerated in any form.
There is an emphasis on encouraging men to speak out against domestic violence. Men and women alike can show their support by wearing a white ribbon. Through such an awareness campaign people are shown that by talking about domestic violence (and giving it no place to hide) the violence can be stopped.
The United Nations has defined violence against women as any act of gender based violence that is directed against a woman because she is a woman or affects women disproportionately. It includes violence against girls and adult women; and physical, sexual and psychological/emotional violence, economic abuse and exploitation.
Peoples perceptions of women who suffer abuse in the home must be challenged. A recent poll showed nearly half of the respondents aged between 12-19 thought that Rihanna was ‘responsible’ for the violence she suffered by her partner Chris Brown. Further research has shown that 29% of young people believe that most physical violence occurs in dating because a partner provoked it. This must change.
The Facts About Gender Based Violence:
Violence against women is a massive problem in our society; sadly it affects the lives of almost everyone at some point in their lifetime, whether this is personally, or in supporting a friend or family member.
In the United Kingdom one in four women will experience domestic violence during their lifetime:
- Around 3 million women across the U.K experience rape, domestic violence, forced marriage, stalking, sexual exploitation and trafficking, female genital mutilation or crimes in the name of ‘honour’ each year.
- At least two women a week are killed by partners or ex-partners.
- Over 750,000 children witness domestic violence every year.
- Approximately half of women accessing mental health services have experienced childhood sexual abuse and/or domestic abuse.
Violence against women is unacceptable. It is a violation of the woman’s human rights and will impact all areas of their life (physically, emotionally, financially, and educationally). We must recognise that violence against women is not only a barrier to equality but also a consequence of inequality. This is why it is vital that both men and women support the White Ribbon Day Campaign.
So wear a White Ribbon and join us in saying, “I pledge never to commit, condone or remain silent about violence against women.”
Its appalling that even in this day and age and after all these years, that women in work are NOT treated equally. Many times women are asked to perform duties on an equal footing with men and probably have far more to lose. Most women these days have children, a home to look after and hold down a job. Why then are men paid far more for doing far less? Children in High Schools are encouraged to participate in activities once thought of as gender related; Im cetain that those same expectations of equality will follow once they are at work. What a shame that the girls will be sorely dissapointed and find that given opportunities to work in a mans world, they will not recieve the same recogntion and pay as men.
Hi – hope you had a good debate. How did it go and what was the result?