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Each year, between 25 November and 10 December, men around the world wear a white ribbon. The white ribbon is a personal pledge never to commit violence against women. It is a pledge not to condone acts of violence, not to make excuses for perpetrators of violence, and not to think that any women is "asking for it" should an act of violence be committed against her.
It is a pledge not to remain silent.
It is a pledge to challenge men around us to act to end violence.
Violence against women is a men's issue that must ultimately be addressed by men themselves in order that society can
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stop all forms of discrimination against women;
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stop domestic violence;
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stop sex trafficking; and
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stop rape and sexual harassment.
In Cambodia , the White Ribbon and 16 Day campaign was first held in 2000. Organised by GAD/C, the campaign aimed to highlight the problem of violence against women in Cambodia . Each year the campaign has gained a higher profile, with support coming both from within Cambodia and from around the world.
WRC activities include: the annual distribution of white ribbons, concerts, vigils, rallies, workshops, media debates and the Women's and Men's Speakout - all of which have helped to significantly raise the exposure of the problem of violence against women in Cambodia.
As the following conclusion suggests:
We [at GAD/C] sincerely believe that this small white ribbon is opening up public space to talk about something that is generally assumed to be an intimately private issue. Laws are of course important - as is public education - but in the final analysis, people have to decide for themselves whether or not to change their behaviour with regards to violence against others. The flames of the vigil, the prayers of the nuns, the silent affirmation of the crowds of ordinary young men at the concert, and the acceptance of the white ribbon, might all signal hope that Cambodia is again becoming a country at peace with itself.
What is International Women's Day?
International Women's Day on 8 March is the story of ordinary women as makers of history; it is rooted in the centuries-old struggle of women to participate in society on an equal footing with men.
The idea of International Women's Day arose at the turn of the century - a time of immense change both in human and women's rights - with the first official day being celebrated in 1901, and it remains of vital importance in highlighting the continued struggle still faced by women worldwide more than a century later.
To celebrate International Women's Day, GAD/C in collaboration with other women focused organisations hosts the International Women's Day. Activities include concerts, public forums, press conferences and media statements, as well as visits to prisoners and victims of HIV and trafficking. GAD/C produces a wide range of products that carry the message, and in so doing it creates the greatest possible opportunity to involve the public in issues of concern to women.
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