What is White Ribbon Day?

White Ribbon Day was created by a small group of men in Canada to speak out against violence against women. It began in 1991, on the second anniversary of a massacre of 14 women in Montreal, a massacre carried out by one individual. Fast forward eight years, the United Nations declares the 25th of November to be the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, (IDEVAW). The White Ribbon has become the symbol for this day.

From this point, the movement and awareness has taken off and has a life of its own. In 2003, the Australian branch of UNIFEM, (United Nations Development Fund for Women), began a partnership with men’s organisations to create a national campaign.

From a small group of Canadian men, hudreds of thousands, possibly millions of white ribbons are worn by men and women across the world. Despite this, violence against women still occurs.

There are more than 230 white ribbon Ambassadors Australia wide, as well as many events planned across the country by individuals, groups and organisations. I have been invited to The Young UNIFEM Australia’s White Ribbon Day Soiree to be held at UWA at The Sunken Gardens to be their official photographer. I am donating my time to this fundraising event. I’ve been told that there will be canapé, drinks and a string quartet.

If you’re coming along to this, feel free to say hello. I don’t bite. If you’re not, why not come along and put a positive spin on the wheel of karma, ($25 Non Waged / $30 Waged)?