From the chair

White Ribbon  has branded itself clearly on the impact of male violence against female victims, for statistically, that is the greatest social evil.

But more than that, our particular message is to ask men to step up, be accountable and help to change male attitudes.

This is the area where we believe we can make the most significant impact, and with your help we can change attitudes and behaviours.

At the recently held White Ribbon Workshops over 90 people participated, identifying issues that concerned them, and the areas in which they felt we could focus our efforts.

I was privileged to be able to take part in Wellington as chair of the White Ribbon Advisory Committee, while Ric Odom, our chair of the White Ribbon Trust participated in the Auckland.

We both witnessed the passion that exists in the community and the willingness to assist us develop a campaign that can make a difference.

This month we will also welcome ten new White Ribbon Ambassadors. I would like to thank them for their commitment.

April also sees the start of our fundraising strategy implementation. Over the last few years government funding has reduced, and so has our ability to resource the campaign. We must rectify this so we can make a real impact and more than that, we must fundraise or we will cease to exist.

For all you Queen's!

"I am strong I am a queen"
She hears these word's that she is saying
yet she's on the ground in pain
she's curled up and now she's praying!
she's praying for her life and soul
"how could he do this to me?"
he said his love was real
now she's struggling to break free
"am i ugly?,am i worthless?"
she just can't understand
how so much hurt and pain is coming from his very hand!
from this day on she pray's the word's of strength she speaks will be real
she is strong,she is a queen
her heart and soul may no man steal.
May she walk with her head high
with her tupuna beside her
may she realise her worth
may her pain guide her not define her
she is strong,she is a queen
let her guide her daughter and niece
she is strong,she is a queen
she is love
she is light
she is peace

I wrote this for all and for all who i love! <3

The White Ribbon Rippers

At the beginning of the year a team of youngsters in the tee ball section of the Hawkes Bay Junior Softball competition  was entered by their coach Rhonda.

They called themselves the White Ribbon Rippers, and the children were aged between 5 to 9 yrs. of age.

They played on Saturday mornings and the team wore white ribbons on their sleeves and/or a white ribbon arm band. They would often discuss its meaning and by the end of the season, the children had a real appreciation for the kaupapa taking responsibility for prepping before each game with no prompting from their coach  to don their white ribbons.