IN Australia, one woman a week is murdered by an intimate partner, with 247 lives lost to violence in the four years from 2017–2020 and a further 38 as of 8 November,2021*. It’s a national tragedy and it needs to stop now.
On White Ribbon Day, November 19, White Ribbon Australia is asking men to think about the changes they can make in their communities and workplaces to be part of the solution, not just on one day, but every day.
White Ribbon Australia Executive Director Brad Chilcott said turning this national tragedy around would require real, long-term social and cultural transformation. “And it will need men to stand up and be willing to reflect on their role in making this essential change a reality,” Mr Chilcott said.
“White Ribbon Day events aren’t the cure-all solution, but people, communities and workplaces who take what they learn and put it into practice in the days, months and years ahead can transform the future we share,” he added.
The theme this year is “How Can Men Make Change?”, calling on communities to “Learn, Give, Take Action”.
The call to action will also be front and centre at events across NSW, including a joint activation with White Lady Funerals to raise awareness of the impact of family domestic violence as witnessed by those dealing with the aftermath of these tragic deaths.
As dawn breaks over Martin Place on White Ribbon Day, 52 white chairs, a white rose placed on each–will be arranged in rows, with each empty chair representing the heartbreaking average number of women killed by domestic violence in Australia each year.
On the morning of White Ribbon Day, Rosie Batty, 2015 Australian of the Year and Co-Chair of the White Ribbon Australia Advisory Council, will also be appearing live on Channel Seven’s Sunrise. Seven West Media is an official Media Partner of White Ribbon Day 2021.
Major landmarks across the country will also be lighting up in white, or sharing our messages, in solidarity with our campaign’s focus on the action men can take to end violence against women.
“White Ribbon Day is an opportunity for you to tell us about your community-led approaches to changing the attitudes and social norms that excuse or condone disrespect, sexual harassment and abuse-to put in place the actions needed to bring about that change, with our support,” Mr Chilcott said.
“We have the resources to help you understand the drivers of men’s violence, harassment and abuse, along with the tools you need to stand up and be part of the change. We’ve just launched our new
Resource Dashboard, ‘Learn: How Can Men Make Change’, so that all Australians can be equipped for meaningful action in our communities and workplaces.”
To find out more about hosting a White Ribbon Day event, making a donation to support community-led change initiatives, or to access the comprehensive resource library, visit www.whiteribbon.org.au