White Ribbon Day Calls Nation to Unite Against Violence Towards Women

White Ribbon Day, observed annually on 25 November, encourages people to wear a white ribbon as a symbol of their commitment to ending violence against women.

New Zealanders are being urged to stand together to prevent violence against women, as communities across the country mark White Ribbon Day, a national moment dedicated to rejecting violence and promoting healthy, respectful relationships. The day also launches the international 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, a global campaign focused on raising awareness, confronting harmful attitudes, and calling for meaningful change.

A National Stand Against Violence

White Ribbon Day, observed annually on 25 November, encourages people to wear a white ribbon as a symbol of their commitment to ending violence against women. The campaign highlights the role men can play as allies, leaders, fathers, brothers, and friends in shaping a culture where respect is the norm and abusive behaviour is actively challenged.

“This issue is tragically still too prevalent and under-discussed in our communities,” said Minister for the Prevention of Family and Sexual Violence Karen Chhour. “We all have a part to play in calling out bad behaviour when we see it.”

Chhour emphasised that preventing violence requires community-wide engagement—where victims feel safe to seek help and where perpetrators are held accountable while being offered opportunities to change.

“We must join together to create a country where victims of family and sexual violence feel safe to speak up and get help—and where people who use violence access resources to change their behaviour or face the consequences if they continue to victimise others.”

Celebrating Leadership and Challenging Harmful Attitudes

White Ribbon Day also celebrates the many men who willingly step forward to model positive behaviours and challenge harmful expectations around masculinity. The campaign encourages men to speak out against sexist jokes, controlling behaviour, emotional abuse, and all forms of violence—recognising that silence can help harmful norms persist.

The initiative sits alongside wider efforts to shift long-standing attitudes that contribute to gender-based violence, including inequality, misogyny, and social stigma that prevents victims from seeking support.

Launch of the 16 Days of Activism Campaign

White Ribbon Day marks the beginning of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, running from 25 November—International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women—to 10 December, World Human Rights Day.

The campaign began in 1991 and is now recognised globally. It serves as a powerful reminder that preventing gender-based violence is not only a national issue but an international human rights priority.

During the 16 days, organisations across New Zealand will host events, workshops, candlelight vigils, and educational activities intended to empower communities, raise awareness, and spark conversations about prevention and accountability.

High-Profile Voices Leading the Conversation

As part of this year’s campaign, the Centre for Family Violence and Sexual Violence Prevention, in collaboration with UN Women Aotearoa, will release a series of daily videos featuring high-profile New Zealand women. In these videos, each leader answers questions about how violence can be prevented and what a society free from gender-based violence might look like.

Featured participants include:

• Minister Karen Chhour

• Minister for Women Nicola Grigg

• Governor-General Dame Cindy Kiro

• Journalist and advocate Alison Mau

• Other prominent leaders from across public life

These voices bring diverse perspectives—from policy-making and frontline advocacy to journalism and lived experience—reinforcing the message that combating violence requires input from every corner of society.

Recognising the Realities Behind the Statistics

While the campaign focuses on violence against women, Minister Chhour stressed that it does not ignore violence experienced by men or people of other genders. Instead, it responds to clear evidence.

“This campaign is not about saying men cannot suffer from violence—this is just a recognition of the statistics that show women and girls are more likely to be the victims of violence, as well as recognising that we all play a part in reducing violence in our communities,” she said.

New Zealand continues to grapple with high rates of family and sexual violence, with women disproportionately affected. The Government’s prevention strategy aims to address the root causes of violence, promote early intervention, and ensure survivors can access the services they need.

A Call for Collective Action

White Ribbon Day and the 16 Days of Activism campaign serve as reminders that reducing violence is not solely the job of government agencies or frontline workers—it is a shared responsibility of whānau, communities, workplaces, schools, and individuals.

Whether by starting conversations, supporting survivors, challenging harmful behaviour, or modelling respectful relationships, every New Zealander has a role in building a safer, more compassionate society.