In conjunction with Vector Lights, a rare sight was witnessed last night in Auckland, as the Auckland Harbour Bridge was lit up in full white light for White Ribbon Day. A very special event was held at the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron, where guests were treated to performances from one of our most loved singer/songwriters Anika Moa, and up and coming Indie-Pop band Daffodils. Guest speakers included White Ribbon Ambassadors Ric Odom and Richie Hardcore, and Belinda Lee from Soroptimist International of Auckland.
“White Ribbon is challenging non-violent men to stand up and take The Pledge,” says Rob McCann White Ribbon Manager. “Without the visible support of good men, we can’t hope to reduce men’s violence towards women.”
New Zealand has the highest rate of reported violence towards women in the developed world with 41% of front line Police Officers’ time spent on family harm. That’s over 118,000 family violence investigations in 2006, about one every five minutes!
“There are many reasons why men should help to end the violence,” says Mr McCann, “but the reality is that using violence in your life means everyone loses. White Ribbon promotes Respectful Relationships because it is a protection against violence and because it is good for men. Men are happier and have more meaningful lives when people love them, rather than fear them.”
When men take the online Pledge they will be asked to choose from one of eight actions which all support Respectful Relationships, and get men actively preventing men’s violence towards women. They will then receive information and a video about how to build that action into their lives.
“We can only achieve real change when good men stand up for what they believe,” says Mr McCann.
Take the Pledge at www.whiteribbon.org.nz
