Our History

White Ribbon is an international movement to put a stop to men’s violence against women.

The White Ribbon we see today could not exist without the activism, advocacy and significant achievements of women and women-led organisations throughout history.

White Ribbon started with the intention to raise awareness of the shocking reality women face.

Although it now has an active global reach in over 60 countries, it was actually born out of a single, horrific incident in Canada. Formed by a group of pro-feminist men as a response to the École Polytechnique massacre of female students in 1989, the ribbon was chosen to reflect the idea of men giving up their arms, a symbol that still stands strong to this day.

The White Ribbon Campaign is now the largest global male-led movement to stop men's violence against women.

White Ribbon Australia was established in 2007, and since then has worked to end men’s violence against women through Primary Prevention Programs and advocacy.

White Ribbon Australia acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community.

We pay our respect to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.