White Ribbon Day 2010
Worldwide, one in three women is subjected to some form of physical violence by men during their lives. It may be at the hands of a family member, a friend, a partner, or a stranger. Sometimes the perpetrators are punished. Often they are not.
This violence has devastating impacts on women and on their families. For women living in poverty in a developing country, they have few options to find help and support. A few escape, but with limited education or the means to earn a living they are often trapped and live in fear, shame and isolation. Women with a disability often suffer even more.
Many male leaders in neighbouring countries in Asia and the Pacific want to break the cycle of violence against women. Like me, they feel that this abuse is unacceptable.
The Australian Government is working at an international level to provide services that protect and help women in developing countries–to give them better education and skills to raise their socio economic status and give them more control over their lives.
We are serious about meeting the Millennium Development Goals and reducing global poverty by 2015. It's the reason we are doubling the aid budget. It's the reason the Government is announcing on White Ribbon Day, November 25, specific assistance to a UN Partners for Prevention program which works with men and boys to prevent gender based violence.
As a White Ribbon Ambassador I believe White Ribbon Day is an opportunity for men and boys to reflect on our behaviour towards women and children. It's a day to consider the qualities that really make men strong and powerful. Violent behaviour towards women is not one of them.
Kevin Rudd
Minister for Foreign Affairs
White Ribbon Day Ambassador
More information
Media release: Working together to end violence across Asia and the Pacific [external site]
2010 White Ribbon Day