The annual White Ribbon Day, 16 Days of Activism will be launched in Pangai on Saturday, November 24 in a campaign to end all forms of violence against women and girls.

The theme this year is 'Orange the World: #HearMeToo' which means Ongona Homau Le’o: Ta’ofi ‘a e Fakamamahi, adopted from the UNiTE campaign.

This aims to mobilize all networks such as government partners, civil society, schools and universities, private sector, sports associations and individuals to stand in solidarity with survivor advocates and women’s human rights defenders, who are working to prevent and end violence against women and girls.

Australian High Commissioner and Ambassador for White Ribbon Day, HE Andrew Ford will launch the event with Hon Losaline Ma’asi, Minister for Internal Affairs and Minister of Justice Hon Vuna Fa’otusia present.

The Women’s Affairs Division at the Ministry of Internal Affairs, in creating greater awareness and inclusiveness on the issue, said this was the first time the program would be held on an outer island.

The program includes an awareness parade joined by invited community youth groups, schools, government ministries and businesses followed by a leadership dinner on Saturday.

Sunday, November 25 is the first day of the 16 Days of Activism; White Ribbon Day which will be marked with a morning service at the King George I Memorial Cathedral followed by a choral night.

The 16 Days of Activism is an international campaign for ending ‘Gender Based Violence’ against women and girls.

A global movement by men and boys working to end male violence against women and girls, it was formed by a group of men in Ontario, Canada. November 1991 and has since spread to more than 60 countries around the world. On 25 November 25 of every year, men and boys wear the white ribbon as a symbol of their support for ending violence against women; for not condoning, taking part nor staying silent about violence against women.