All Whites Support White Ribbon Day

New Zealand Football and the New Zealand Professional Footballers Association  has partnered with White Ribbon – a campaign offering men the chance to be part of the solution to end violence against women – as the All Whites official cause.

Future All Whites games would be used to raise awareness of the White Ribbon campaign while members of the team will also sign the personal pledge to never commit, condone or remain silent about violence against women. Signed pledges from prominent men in communities all over New Zealand will be published in newspapers on White Ribbon Day on November 25.

The White Ribbon Campaign originated in Canada in 1991 and has been officially adopted by the United Nations as its International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women.  The campaign was introduced to New Zealand by UNIFEM (the United Nations Development Fund for Women). 

Annually on White Ribbon Day, communities around the globe organise events to engage people and raise awareness of violence against women.  The Families Commission coordinate White Ribbon Day in partnership with NGO, government and private sector partners around the country.

The main event in 2011 in New Zealand is the White Ribbon Ride, which is visiting over 70 communities during November.  If you are interested in finding out more about the White Ribbon Ride or other White Ribbon Day events near you, please visit the White Ribbon website here.

You can read more about this partnership via the White Ribbon Day website here. 

Photo Credit: Istock Photo