White Ribbon Day: 2016
The white ribbon campaign throughout this month is aim to ELIMINATE men’s violence towards women by encouraging men to take ownership of this important issue and model good behaviour that can change attitudes. The first WHITE RIBBON campaign was launched by a group of men in Canada following a brutal mass shooting of 14 women in their country on the 6th December 1989 also known as the MONTREAL Massacre. The campaign runs from the 25th November recognised worldwide as the “INTERNATIONAL day for the Elimination of Violence against Women “until the 6th December.
Punanga Tauturu Inc in partnership with the Cook Islands Police with support from the PPDVP- Teau Rakei (Cook Islands Police & Charlene Peters of the NZ police, INTAFF, Cook Islands Police, Ministry of Health, NGOs such as Te Kainga, Creative centre, Disability & Te Vaerua, NCW, Rotai’anga, Ministry of Education, Tourism, Bluesky, BCI, small businesses, Vaka Iva, CITC, Cook Island Radio, George George the male advocate against domestic violence & the community celebrated The White ribbon day in the Cook Islands on the 25th of November 2016.
Of significance to PTI and the community was the visible involvement of the Cook Islands key stakeholders working collaboratively in support of the White Ribbon day programme which was held at the Banana Court Park. The programme kicked off with a service at the Avarua Catholic Church, marching and flag raising by the Cook Islands Police in front of the Police headquarters in Avarua.
The activities on the day included the white ribbon HOPE tree by the acting Police Commissioner and prominent members of the community as an indication of their commitment to eliminating violence against women in the community. The acting Police Commissioner in his speech reiterated his personal commitment to ensuring that women feel safe in their home and advised that Domestic violence is a priority area for the police and has been included in their strategic plan as a key output.
Punanga Tauturu Inc organize events prior and after the White Ribbon day and not only on the day but also activities during the 16 days commemoration period beginning with the White Ribbon Day.
The symbol of HOPE !
