UWS commits to White Ribbon Day

 The University of Western Sydney will show its support of White Ribbon Day and putting an end to violence against women by painting a giant white ribbon at the entrance to the University's Campbelltown campus on Monday 21 November, 2011.

In 1999, the United Nations General Assembly declared November 25 as the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women.

White Ribbon Day began in Australia in 2003, part of UN Women Australia (previously known as the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Employment of Women), and formally became a Foundation in 2007. White Ribbon is Australia's only national male-led violence prevention campaign.

Dr Beatriz Cardona, Engagement Officer, Communities and Sustainability at UWS, says supporting this day is key to the 'UWS Making the Difference' strategy which encourages the concept of being connected locally and internationally.

"UWS supports White Ribbon Day because it is an important initiative that seeks to address the issue of men's violence against women which is not only a local issue, but an international one," says Dr Cardona.

Dr Cardona says the idea of painting a white ribbon on the hill near Narellan Road came out of discussions with the White Ribbon Steering Committee, made up of local community organisations in the Campbelltown area.

"The committee wanted to conduct an activity that would draw the attention of the general community," says Dr Cardona.

"The large ribbon will create interest and curiosity from drivers coming into Campbelltown and perhaps make them reflect on the issue of violence against women."

WHAT: UWS White Ribbon Day Awareness Campaign
WHEN: Monday 21 November at 11.00am
WHERE: William Downes Avenue, close to the intersection of David Pilgrim Avenue, Campbelltown Campus

Ends

17 November 2011