White Ribbons

For most people White Ribbon Day is the name of a song, which was released in 1997 by a rock band called Delirious. For others, White Ribbon Day has come to signify hope and a symbol for the elimination of violence against women.

On 17 December 1999, more than ten years ago, the United Nations designated 25^th November as the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. A day set aside for communities to carry out activities to raise awareness of violence against women and to campaign for its elimination.

And White Ribbon Day is such a campaign. On this day men and women are called upon to wear a white ribbon or a white wristband as a visual symbol of a commitment to prevent violence against women. Also, men and boys are encouraged to take an oath swearing never to commit, make an excuse or remain silent about violence against women. This is an important first step because after all in relation to men, we women are their mothers, wives, girlfriends, daughters, colleagues and friends and we should be treated with respect, dignity and consideration.

So in support of White Ribbon Day and the elimination of violence against women, I have decided to not only wear my white ribbon faithfully but to also inspire my readers with a quote, a “must read” and a “must see” on the elimination of violence against women.

Quote:

It is a violation of human rights when women and girls are sold into the slavery of prostitution. It is a violation of human rights when women are doused with gasoline, set on fire and burned to death because their marriage dowries are deemed too small. It is a violation of human rights when individual women are raped in their own communities and when thousands of women are subjected to rape as a tactic or prize of war. It is a violation of human rights when a leading cause of death worldwide among women ages 14 to 44 is the violence they are subjected to in their own homes. It is a violation of human rights when young girls are brutalized by the painful and degrading practice of genital mutilation. It is a violation of human rights when women are denied the right to plan their own families - violence against women is a violation of human rights and human rights are women's rights, and women's rights are human rights –Hillary Clinton

Must Read:

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo - This is a mystery novel by Stieg Larsson. Though it’s an entertaining bestseller, it also highlights trafficking in and violence against women.

Must See:

Taken - This is a 2008 French film, a thriller directed by Pierre Morel on sex trafficking of women.