Sheila Gilmore, MP for Edinburgh East, met with campaigners from the White Ribbon Campaign this week to show support for the work to reduce violence against women.
The White Ribbon Campaign is the largest global effort of men working to end violence against women. White Ribbon Day falls each year on 25th November, and it is also known as the United Nations International Day for the Eradication of Violence Against Women.
Throughout the year, the White Ribbon Campaign helps men participate in educational work in schools, workplaces, and communities, to change attitudes which can condone violence against women, to support women’s organisations, and to raise money for organisations that oppose Violence against women.
Sheila Gilmore MP said:-
‘Every week in the UK, two women are killed by a violent partner or ex-partner, and during their lifetime 1in 4 women will experience domestic violence. Involving men in prevention of all the violence against women is vital, which is why the work of the White Ribbon Campaign is to be applauded.’
‘To mark the International Day for the Eradication of Violence Against Women on 25 November I will be wearing a white ribbon – a personal pledge never to commit, condone or remain silent about violence against women.’
Chris Green, White Ribbon Campaign Director, said:‘Parliamentarians enter Parliament in order to make their community a better place. There is no more important way to do this than by working to eliminate violence against women. It is particularly important for male parliamentarians to be involved, and they can do this by being active supporters of WRC UK. We welcome the support of individual MPs for our work, and for the support they offer organisations which work with victims. This time of economic hardship and cuts in services creates pressure on families. MPs should work to protect service provision in their areas and at this time it is even more important to emphasise the prevention of violence. White Ribbon Campaign UK is a member of the Coalition for a European Year of Actions to End Violence against Women, and of the End Violence against Women Coalition.’
