MCC Daily Tribune

White Ribbon Day - Thursday, November 25

White Ribbon Day is observed in November each year. Most countries observe the day on November 25, although Australia’s date changes, and this year is November 20. The day is for tens of thousands of people stand up, speak up, and say no to violence against women. It’s more important than ever to participate in movements such as these since there is a significant increase in violence, harassment, and abuse towards women. The campaign is intended to raise awareness about the prevalence of male violence against women, with the ribbon symbolizing “the idea of men giving up their arms”. Active in over 60 countries, people are urgently called to work together to prevent violence and make sure communities and homes are made safe for everyone.

HOW TO OBSERVE WHITE RIBBON DAY

Men, wear a white ribbon

The wearing of the white ribbon stands for never taking part in, condoning, or staying silent about violence against women. And on White Ribbon Day, men and boys are encouraged to wear the white ribbon on November 25 and for a week or two afterward to support and highlight that pledge.
Be active on social media

Consider making a video on why you support White Ribbon Day and share it across your networking platforms. Be creative artistic with White Ribbons and free images. You can find free editing tools online and on your phone. Launch the video on White Ribbon Day. Make sure to spread the word by using #WhiteRibbonDay #MakeThePromise #NoExcuseForAbuse.
Create awareness

There are plenty of ways to spread awareness for White Ribbon Day. Perhaps, project a white ribbon onto the side of your office building, town hall, or place of worship. Create an awareness-raising opportunity outside shops or other places where people may need to be out and about – maybe you can find a singer or musician as well?

5 FRIGHTENING FACTS ABOUT VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN

Family violence

It is estimated that of the 87,000 women who were intentionally killed in 2017 globally, more than half were killed by intimate partners or family members, meaning that 137 women across the world are killed by a member of their own family every day.
Women in danger at university

23 percent of female undergraduate university students reported having experienced sexual assault or sexual misconduct in a survey across 27 universities in the United States in 2015.
On the streets

In a multi-country study from the Middle East and North Africa, between 40 and 60 percent of women said they had experienced street-based sexual harassment — mainly sexual comments, stalking/following, or staring/ogling.
In the workplace

Results from a national Australian survey show that almost two out of five women aged 15 and older who have been in the workforce in the last five years have experienced sexual harassment during that period.
Human trafficking

Adult women account for nearly half of all human trafficking victims detected globally — women and girls together account for 72 percent, with girls representing more than three out of every four child trafficking victims.

WHY WHITE RIBBON DAY IS IMPORTANT

It’s a global movement

White Ribbon Day aims to reduce the horrifying statistics of violence against women by spreading awareness about the issue and this is a truly global problem. Different activities are performed at national and international levels, aiming to combat violence against women from every nook and corner of the countries participating. In Pakistan, many of the activities continue for the ‘16 Days of Activism’ which is planned and implemented to notify the maximum number of people about the statistics of violence against women, bearing in mind cultural norms, traditions, and religion.
It promotes gender equality

White Ribbon is the world's largest movement engaging men and boys to end men's violence against women and girls, promote gender equality and create new opportunities for men to build positive, healthy, and respectful relationships. This is a vital message to spread to end violence against women.
It acknowledges women’s achievements

The White Ribbon we see today is the result of activism and advocacy efforts across many countries and diversity of voices. It also acknowledges the significant achievements of women and women-led organizations throughout history, nationally and internationally to stop men’s violence against women.

Sarah Benedict
MCC Wellness Council
11/24/2021