White Ribbon Day 2023: History, Importance, 5 Facts About Violence Against Women

White Ribbon Day 2023: White Ribbon Day is annually observed in November. While the majority of nations observe the day on November 25, Australia observes it on November 19 this year. Tens of thousands of individuals should take a stand, speak out, and refuse violence against women on this day. Participation in such movements is more crucial than ever due to the substantial rise in violence, harassment, and abuse directed at women. In an effort to bring attention to the widespread occurrence of male violence against women, the ribbon serves as a representation of “the concept of men relinquishing their weapons.” Active in more than 60 nations, individuals are urged to collaborate immediately to prevent violence and ensure that all residences and communities are secure.

White Ribbon Day 2023: History

Men and boys from around the world participate in the White Ribbon Campaign (WRC) in an effort to halt male violence against girls and women. In November 1991, a cohort of feminist males residing in London, Ontario established the organization in retaliation for Marc Lépine’s 1989 massacre of female students at École Polytechnique. Their primary focus is the prevention of gender-based violence, which entails mentoring and educating young men on topics such as gender equality and violence.

White ribbons are recommended for boys and men to wear in protest of violence against women. The white ribbon serves as a symbol of awareness that political movements may employ to promote or symbolize their stances. It is frequently portrayed in informational materials such as posters and pamphlets or emblazoned on garments. During White Ribbon Week, which commences on November 25th, the United Nations Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, they are strongly encouraged to do so.

In an effort to bring attention to the widespread occurrence of male violence against women, the ribbon was designed to represent “the concept of men relinquishing their weapons.” The movement, which is active in more than 60 countries (Australia, Pakistan, Italy, and the United Kingdom), aims to advocate for gender equality, healthy relationships, and a compassionate conception of masculinity.

Since 1981, women’s rights advocates have designated November 25 as International Day Against Gender-Based Violence. This date was chosen in remembrance of the Mirabal sisters, three Dominican Republic-based political activists who were assassinated in 1960 at the behest of Rafael Trujillo, the dictator of the country. The resolution 48/104 of the General Assembly on 20 December 1993 ratified the Declaration on the Elimination of Violence against Women, thereby initiating the global effort to eradicate violence against women and girls.

The campaign day in Australia was officially designated on November 23, 2018, in lieu of November 25, which was the designated international day. Additionally, the day’s scope was broadened to include violence against minors. Establishing a “white ribbon accredited workplace” is a three-year achievement for businesses.

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5 Facts About Violence Against Women

Intimate violence

An estimated 87,000 women were intentionally murdered worldwide in 2017. Of these, over half were murdered by intimate companions or family members; thus, 137 women are murdered daily by members of their own families.

Perilous women at the university

In 2015, 23 percent of female undergraduates at 27 universities in the United States reported experiencing sexual assault or sexual misconduct, according to a survey.

In the open air

Forty to sixty percent of women surveyed in a multi-country study from the Middle East and North Africa reported experiencing street-based sexual harassment, which consisted primarily of sexual remarks, stalking/following, and staring/ogling.

Within the professional environment

Nearly two-fifths of Australian women aged 15 and older who have been employed within the past five years have reported instances of sexual harassment, according to the findings of a national survey.

Vessel trafficking

Nearly half of all human trafficking victims identified worldwide are adult women; girls comprise more than three out of every four juvenile trafficking victims; women and girls collectively account for 72 percent.

White Ribbon Day 2023: Importance

This is an international movement.

As this is a genuinely global issue, White Ribbon Day seeks to raise awareness about the horrifying statistics of violence against women in an effort to reduce their prevalence. A variety of activities are conducted both domestically and internationally with the objective of addressing the issue of violence against women in all regions of the participating countries. Numerous activities persisted in Pakistan during the “16 Days of Activism,” an initiative that is strategized and executed with the intention of disseminating comprehensive data on violence against women, taking into consideration religious, cultural, and traditional practices.

It advocates for gender parity.

White Ribbon is the largest movement in the world, mobilizing men and boys in support of eradicating male-inflicted violence against females and girls, advancing gender equality, and establishing fresh avenues for men to develop respectful, healthy, and constructive relationships. Spreading this message is crucial in the effort to end violence against women.

It acknowledges the accomplishments of women.

Present-day White Ribbon is the product of advocacy and activism spanning numerous nations and representing a variety of viewpoints. Additionally, it acknowledges the significant contributions made by women and female-led organizations over the course of history in their campaigns to stop male violence against women on a national and international level.