O’hAilpin stands up for women
By James Matthey
Football took a back seat for a big name AFL star when he addressed an inner west school about the need to reduce violence against women.
The GWS GIANTS’ Setanta O’hAilpin, an AFL NSW/ACT multicultural ambassador, helped launch the White Ribbon Day Project to raise awareness about the destructive consequences of violence against women, and to promote the need to develop strong and trusting relationships with everyone in the local community.
O’hAilpin spoke about the need to develop healthy, respectful attitudes towards women from an early age, and praised the work that the White Ribbon Organisation is doing to help address the issue.
“There is some great work being done in Australia to prevent violence against women, including the work of the White Ribbon Campaign, however, it is still a significant problem in our society today.
“In particular, the violent behaviour of men towards women and girls is a huge worry for all of us, but luckily, there is something that all of us can do to stop it.”
White Ribbon is the world’s largest male-led movement to end violence against women, and is a not-for-profit organisation that aims to engage young boys and men in an effort to create social change.
The White Ribbon Day Project hopes to get students actively involved in promoting a message of female equality and to encourage the community to break any silence regarding violence against women.
“Your White Ribbon Day Project is a wonderful way to raise awareness of this issue and encourage the development of respectful relationships within our communities,” said O’hAilpin.
“It allows you to take a stand and break the silence about violence against women. It allows you to be the change.”
As part of the project, students from the inner west are able to create any form of artwork that represents the key messages White Ribbon Day (to be celebrated on November 25) and healthy relationships, with the best eight designs to be incorporated on coffee cups, coasters and posters.
The works of art that are not selected in the final shortlist will still have their chance to be displayed, as they will be on show at the White Ribbon Day launch on November 18.
Alternatively, students also have the option of engaging in a public speaking discussion, addressing topics that seek to change both attitudes and behaviours concerning respect for women.
