Men need to play leadership role

White Ribbon Day is the international day for the elimination of violence against women and occurs each year on 25 November.

Across New Zealand White Ribbon Day was celebrated in a wide range of diverse ways from marches, lighting up the Sky Tower, handing out White Ribbons, events with the White Ribbon (motorcycle) Riders, and even an activity where men wore women’s shoes to show their support forending men's violence towards women.

“These events all helped to raise the issue of men’s violence,” says Judge Boshier, Chair of the White Ribbon Committee.

“There is a role for government, there is a role for councils and other regulatory bodies, but today on White Ribbon Day, I want to acknowledge the role men have.”

This year White Ribbon is asking men to visit whiteribbon.org.nz and take The Pledge ‘to never commit condone or remain silent about violence towards women’.

“It’s a simple concept,” says Judge Boshier. “Men have the ability to influence other men and we are asking men to step up, and speak up. Whether it’s in the workplace, at social events or in your own family – staying silent is no longer acceptable.

“We must and we can turn this around. But we can only do this if men are willing to play a leadership role.

ends

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