White Ribbon Campaign

Thursday 25 November is the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. Also, it marks the start of the 16 Days of Activism, led by the UN Secretary-General and UN Women since 2008.

This campaign aims to prevent and eliminate violence against women and girls around the world, calling for global action to increase awareness, promote advocacy and create opportunities for discussion on challenges and solutions.

From Thursday, 25 November to 10 December, the student-led FemSoc will highlight why they feel it is important to talk about gender-based violence and promote awareness about the White Ribbon campaign. White Ribbon UK is the leading charity engaging with men and boys to end violence against women.

Over the course of the next 16 days of activism, there will be a number of activities to engage Paulines on the issues surrounding gender-based violence. These include FemSoc running a workshop designed by Women’s Aid (our charity partner of the year) aiming to increase knowledge and awareness around gender-based violence and its links with the law; a joint SPGS-SPS talk on “Raunch Culture and Pornography”; a Women’s Aid talk with the Lower Eighth and some society talks as well.

Additionally, FemSoc will provide a daily statistic or quote looking at gender-based violence and hope to promote how the paths to active opposition of gender-based violence are education, open discussion and a willingness to speak and behave against prevailing attitudes and norms.

As part of this awareness, we encourage pupils who wish to, to wear a white ribbon as part of the White Ribbon Promise, a commitment made by men never to commit, excuse, or remain silent about violence against women and girls.