White Ribbon Day 2019

The Feminist Collective (more commonly known as FemCo) is a group of feminist students who are passionate about progressive causes, and are determined to positively impact Northcote High School in regards to intersectional gender issues and issues of equality.

On Friday 22nd November, the NHS Feminist Collective held a bake sale to raise money and awareness for White Ribbon Day.

White Ribbon Day is a day dedicated to ending violence against women and children. The original campaign was intended to raise awareness about the prevalence of male violence against women, with the white ribbons symbolising men laying down their arms. It was started by pro-feminist men who decided a change needed to be made. Now, White Ribbon Day is a world-wide campaign dedicated to ending violence against women and girls.

Alarming statistics show 85% of Australian women have been sexually harassed, 1 in 3 women aged 18-24 have experienced sexual harassment and on average, one woman a week is murdered by her former or current partner. White Ribbon day and campaigns including the #MeToo campaign and #oneinthree campaigns and many similar campaigns are all about spreading awareness for what is happening in our world specifically against women.

To show their support for White Ribbon Day, FemCo (with a great deal of help from Mr Holleman) held a bake sale at lunchtime on the 22nd of November outside the library, selling an assortment of white treats. The money raised went to ‘The Domestic Violence Resource Centre’, an organisation that provides help and support to women and children who have experienced domestic violence. The day was a huge success with the bake sale raising $318.65. The students who made a purchase at the bake sale were given a white ribbon by FemCo so they could openly show their support of the cause.