Work towards a world where women live without fear of violence

Media release

Brisbane

25 November 2011

White Ribbon Day Ambassador and Foreign Minister Kevin Rudd today called on male counterparts across Asia and the Pacific to take the White Ribbon Day oath never to commit, excuse or remain silent about violence against women.

Speaking at Australia's CEO Challenge White Ribbon Cocktail Event in Brisbane, Mr Rudd said he was pleased to see the men leading Australia's diplomatic posts across the Pacific also becoming White Ribbon Ambassadors. They have pledged to work towards a world where women live without fear of violence.

"In addition, working with Australia's new Global Ambassador for Women and Girls, Australia plans to introduce an award next year to acknowledge the work underway by the extraordinary people and agencies in the region to eliminate violence against women."

White Ribbon Day, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, focuses global attention on our personal, national and international responsibility to address this unacceptable behaviour.

"I am also pleased to announce Australia's support for the Acid Survivors Foundation in Bangladesh, to help survivors of acid attacks with physical reconstruction, rehabilitation and legal assistance."

In Bangladesh there is an acid attack every two days. Over the past decade, 3,135 people (69 per cent of whom are women) suffered acid violence in Bangladesh. A quarter of the victims are children.

Working in partnership with the Acid Survivors Foundation and the Government of Bangladesh, Australia is providing $600,000 to assist the survivors of acid attacks to receive legal support by building the capacity of the courts and law enforcement agencies, and will raise awareness of acid violence in Bangladesh.

"Throwing acid on someone is an horrific act, that can leave a lifetime of physical and psychological scars. Australia's assistance will directly help the survivors of acid attacks rebuild their lives.

"By ending violence against women, we not only improve women's ability to fully participate in family and community life without fear, we also give them the chance to contribute socially and economically to their countries' development," Mr Rudd said.

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