Libby Davies – CEO White Ribbon

In early March, White Ribbon Australia CEO Libby Davies visited New York for  the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW), which examined the “relentless epidemic of violence against women and girls”.

As the CSW had a strong focus on prevention, Libby had the privilege of providing input into two sessions; a side event organised by the Australian Government and a parallel NGO event organised by UN Women Australia.

Both presentations represented the work of White Ribbon Australia, highlighting developments in prevention in Australia, where White Ribbon is working to change the attitudes and behaviours that perpetuate violence.

“As a participant and discussant in many of the sessions led by other nations committed to ending violence against women, I was continually reminded of the innovative and insightful approach to prevention taking place in Australia and other parts of the world, that embrace cultural relevance and engage with men to bring about change,” Libby said.

“The sharing of global work in this space brought into sharp focus the true essence of diversity and action required to bring about social change. This action must engage with and involve men, and work in collaboration with women as equal owners of and activists for social change.”

The CSW meeting highlighted the innovative work of the Australian White Ribbon Campaign and the interest in this work from other countries. The unique, national male-led campaign in Australia, whilst still in its early stages, has benefited from research by and collaborations with so many actively working in primary prevention to produce a campaign that continues to engage the community and develop depth and breadth.

“The experience of participating in the CSW clearly demonstrated to me that whilst we still have a long way to go we are a long way from where we were ten years ago…”

White Ribbon Australia recognises the deep foundations of the movement embedded in feminist and men’s activist groups committed to engaging with men and boys to bring about change. It was because of this developmental work in Australia in the latter years of the 20th century that White Ribbon became a national campaign in Australia in 2003.

In 2013 we are celebrating 10 years of the White Ribbon Campaign in Australia and hope that many of our Ambassadors and supporters will join with us at our International Conference being held in Sydney from 13-15 May this year at Doltone House in Pyrmont, Sydney.