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What is the White Ribbon - Campaign Switzerland©?
Launched in Geneva on 14 February 2009 (St. Valentine’s Day), the Swiss campaign joins the largest effort in the world of men working to prevent and help end violence against women (VAW). In over fifty countries, campaigns are led by both men and women, with the focus is on educating men and boys. The White Ribbon Campaign (WRC) is the largest effort in the world of men working to end violence against women (VAW).
Who runs the White Ribbon - Campaign Switzerland©?
The Swiss campaign is an initiative of the Women’s World Summit Foundation (WWSF) and is lead by Swiss White Ribbon Ambassadors and a small dedicated staff organizing the campaign. WWSF is a Swiss not-for-profit, non-denominational foundation, serving the implementation of women and children’s rights and the UN development and peace agenda. It has UN consultative status (ECOSOC,UNFPA,DPI).
Around the world, the WRC is led by many different organizations. The heart and soul of the organization are concerned men and women like you.
Around the world, the WRC is led by many different organizations. The heart and soul of the organization are concerned men and women like you.
What type of organization is the White Ribbon - Campaign Switzerland©?
Not only does it include men and women from varying social and political perspectives, it is an organization that avoids becoming hierarchical or bureaucratic. We want to keep our emphasis on the community, on the schools, workplaces and the media.
What does it mean to wear a white ribbon?
Wearing a white ribbon is a personal pledge to never commit, condone or remain silent about violence against women and girls. It is a way of saying, “Our future has no violence against women and I support the campaign”. You can use a cloth ribbon or the small white ribbon metal pin to show your support.
What are the goals of the White Ribbon - Campaign Switzerland© and how are they accomplished?
The main goal is helping to prevent and ultimately end violence against women in all its forms. We accomplish this in five ways:
- Raising public awareness of the issue.
- Challenging everyone to speak out, and think about their own beliefs, language and actions.
- Educating young people, especially young men and boys, on the issue through educational resources.
- Working in partnership with women’s organizations, the corporate sector, the United Nations, the media and and other partners to create a future with no violence against women.
- Supporting Swiss campaign members with our experience, resources and networks.
Current Focus of the Swiss Campaign
25 November 2009 (International Day for the Eradication of Violence Against Women) is the date for an annual Geneva Conference to review progress, learn about activities in Switzerland, and hear from the Swiss WR Ambassadors.
25 November – 10 December 2009: 16 Days of activism for prevention and elimination of violence against women, ending 10 December (World Human Rights Day), including public stands and Open Doors at WWSF headquarters. A Swiss program of activities is published by Christlicher Friedensdienst
25 November – 10 December 2009: 16 Days of activism for prevention and elimination of violence against women, ending 10 December (World Human Rights Day), including public stands and Open Doors at WWSF headquarters. A Swiss program of activities is published by Christlicher Friedensdienst
The White Ribbon - Campaign Switzerland© is the Swiss manifestation of a global campaign to ensure men take more responsibility for reducing the level of violence against women. The campaign is the largest effort in the world of men working to end male violence against women.
The White Ribbon - Campaign Switzerland© encourages men of all ages to commit themselves to create a world without violence against women. Similar campaigns already exist in 47 countries and WWSF chose Saint Valentine’s Day - 14 February 2009 - to launch the initiative in Switzerland.
Why wear a White Ribbon?
Violence against women is a form of discrimination and a violation of Human Rights
Every year men are invited to wear the white ribbon during the 16 days of activism, starting 25 November - UN International Day for the elimination of violence against women - and ending 10 December - International Human Right's Day.
The White Ribbon campaign’s objective is to sensitize society / men and make them conscious of the fact that violence against women is a world phenomenon, a systemic problem, rooted in unbalanced power sharing and unequal structures between men and women. We recommend the reading of the UN Secretary General’s in-depth study on violence against women.
Men are neither violent nor bad by nature. However, many end up taking actions, which can have serious consequences. While some men are part of the problem, all men can be part of the solution!
Respect women and treat them as equals