WEARING a white ribbon on Wednesday is a small gesture to demonstrate against violence towards women.
Bikers, police, sports stars and school students will show their support of International Day of Elimination of Violence Against Women with a little ribbon pinned on their chests.
They will be given out to members of the public at places such as railway stations and central shopping areas.
Rugby league legend Ruben Wiki is a passionate supporter of efforts to end family violence and has joined the White Ribbon campaign to become its first national ambassador.
He will be making the most of his public profile, speaking out against family violence and encouraging men to help stop violence against women. As a husband and father-of-two, Mr Wiki is always aware he is a role model for his children.
“What men say and do, and how we behave around our children and partners, has lasting effects,” he says. “I grew up in a house where my mother was beaten by her partner, not my father, so I know how scary that can be. I want to do what I can to help ensure this doesn’t happen to other mothers and children.
“It takes teamwork to raise a family and it’ll take teamwork to create a more peaceful, respectful society for our children to grow up in.”
Men across New Zealand are being asked to join the White Ribbon Ride led by the Super Maori Fullas and Patriots Defence Force Motorcycle Club as part of White Ribbon Day. It starts in Wellington on Wednesday and takes four separate routes through eastern, western and the central North Island.
Riders will join together at ASB Showgrounds, Greenlane, on Friday. From there it is expected about 1000 riders will travel together to Bream Bay near Whangarei.
• For more information, visit www.whiteribbon.org.nz
