“It is indeed a man’s issue as much as a woman’s issue.”

Dr Andrew Batchelor of Joondalup Western Australia has embarked on his third consecutive year of promoting the United Nations White Ribbon Pledge - urging men and boys to make a pledge ‘not commit, condone or remain silent on violence against women and children.’

To date, Andrew and Valli have promoted the White Ribbon Pledge in Geneva, New York, Kuala Lumpur, India, Cambodia, Sri Lanka, Bali and Edinburgh.

He urges men and boys to support the White Ribbon worldwide campaign by

• pledging not to commit condone or remain silent on violence against women.


• actively challenging attitudes and behaviors which support violence against women


• engaging in respectful relationships with women in all areas of their lives.


• aspiring to become positive role models to other men and boys in relation to the issue of violence against women.

 “This is an opportunity for men who care about the women and children in their lives to take responsibility in ensuring that women and children live free from oppression, violence and fear.”

Andrew is also working with men and boys in the community to raise support for Pat Giles Women’s refuge centre in Joondalup through donations of funds, household furniture and any appliances that help victims’ of domestic violence to establish new lives.  (Contact 9300 0340 for donations to the centre).  Schools and organizations are encouraged to raise awareness of the White Ribbon Campaign as well as support the centre through creative activities such as declaring a fund raising White Dress Day in November.

Andrew is a bio-medical and materials engineer who has authored many books.  His work as an international scientific researcher has enabled him to promote the White Ribbon pledge in many other countries. This year he plans to extend the pledges into the Middle East.

Andrew and his wife Valli co-founded Journey  Towards Hope Dance Projects in 2001. The concept is to use dance, music, creative arts, and other education and communication tools to raise awareness on social justice issues such as the issue of violence against women and children.  The projects received national and international commendations including  Western Australian Multicultural Community Services Award, Mover of Peace Award by World Council of Churches and nominations to this year’s Australian Crime and Violence Prevention Award and WA Dance Awards.

October 2009

Written by Margaret Price - Journalist of Community Newspaper