White Ribbon promotes 'respectful relationships' in November 2015 | New Zealand Family Violence Clearinghouse

Wed 18 Nov 2015

White Ribbon Day, 25 November, is the internationally recognised day when men wear a white ribbon to show they do not condone violence towards ...

White Ribbon Day, 25 November, is the internationally recognised day when men wear a white ribbon to show they do not condone violence towards women. The global White Ribbon campaign is led by men who condemn violence against women and want to take action. The campaign was started in Canada by a group of men, after the brutal mass shooting of 14 female students at the University of Montreal in 1989.

The day has also been officially adopted by the United Nations as the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. The 16 Days of Activism against Gender Violence is marked from 25 November to 10 December.

The New Zealand White Ribbon Campaign takes place during the month of November. It is driven by the White Ribbon Campaign team and a range of community groups, NGOs and businesses across the country. This year, the New Zealand White Ribbon Campaign is promoting respectful relationships between men and women.

White Ribbon says respectful relationships are based on:

"Equality between women and men
The effective use of non-violent communication
Flexible gender behaviour for men and women
This includes respectful sexual relationships
‘Consent’ as a necessary requirement of all sexual relationships.
Men challenging the attitudes and behaviour of other men that underpin all violence."

The campaign material asks men "What kind of guy do you wanna be?" Posters focus on gender power relationships, male behaviour during conflict and sexual violence and the issue of consent. Materials are available in Afrikaans, Chinese, English, Fijian, Hindi, Japanese, Korean, Māori, Samoan and Tongan translations. The posters, flyers and other White Ribbon merchandise are available to download or purchase from the White Ribbon website.

The campaign has also developed a White Ribbon Toolbox. The toolbox provides practical tips for men on how to treat women equally, communicate respectfully and have respectful sexual relationships.

White Ribbon Campaign Manager Rob McCann said "Most men treat women with respect, but the biggest cause of violence is the belief that men have more rights and power than women. This campaign asks men to challenge those ideas and treat women how they would like to be treated, and let go of the feeling that we have to be in charge."

To raise awareness around issues of sexual consent, New Zealand White Ribbon is also promoting the Tea and Consent video by the blogger Rockstar Dinasour Pirate Princess. The video explains the concept of consent through the metaphor "hey, would you like a cup of tea?"

White Ribbon events around the country include the White Ribbon Ride, Walk a Mile in Her Shoes, and community parades and events. Visit the White Ribbon website for event listings or to post your community event.

The campaign theme of respectful relationships is informed by approaches identified in the New Zealand Family Violence Clearinghouse issues paper Effectively involving men in violence prevention. Read previous Clearinghouse news stories to find more resources on engaging men in violence prevention and resources for promoting healthy relationships with young people.

Educational resources for events

The New Zealand White Ribbon Campaign provides Campaign Messages to inform White Ribbon speakers, The Pledge promotion material, ideas and help for organising your event, resources to raise awareness at the White Ribbon shop and White Ribbon Ambassadors to attend your event.

White Ribbon Australia provides a range of downloadable fact sheets.

Women's Refuge provide free downloadable resources on their website including a Quick Quiz "Are you being abused?" as well as Safety Plans, practical guides, kits and pamphlets for women experiencing abuse and support people.