Kuala Lumpur, November 22, 2015 – The All Women’s Action Society (AWAM) held its third White Ribbon Run at Padang Merbok today. With over 1000 participants, AWAM successfully emphasised that Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and Violence Against Women (VAW) are not solely women’s rights issues, they are human rights issues and we should all be involved in addressing it.

This year, AWAM highlighted the theme “The Story of a Generation”. Men and boys of all ages and walks of life came together at the White Ribbon Run to break a “Chain of Violence”, to symbolise the breaking down of the violence and varying burdens women have to deal with on a daily basis.

“A recent statistic on Violence against Women in Malaysia released by the Royal Malaysian Police in 2014 shows that there were 2349 cases of rape and 4807 cases of domestic violence reported nationwide. An estimated 8 out of 10 cases go unreported,” said AWAM President, Ho Yock Lin, who flagged off the White Ribbon Run. “Women continue to face all sorts of violence and discrimination in public and private spaces. We’ve seen cases such as the statutory rape case in Sabah, where a 40-year old man who impregnated his colleague’s 14-year-old daughter was found to be not guilty despite the fact that DNA evidence proved his paternity. For the first time in Malaysia, a woman was charged in court for termination of pregnancy, despite this being permissible under our Penal Code. Transgender women continue to face all forms of persecution. And what about the spate of moral policing a few months ago, where women were not allowed to access services on the basis of what they were wearing?”

“Violence against women and girls is detrimental to our society. The White Ribbon Campaign gives an opportunity for men to speak out and take a stand against this violence. We can work together to put an end to it,” stated  Chairperson of AWAM’s Fundraising Committee, Judith Loh.

At Padang Merbok, men and boys from all walks of life made their pledges never to commit, condone or remain silent about violence against women and girls. After the run, activities such as the breaking of a “Chain of Violence”, a flash mob, and the White Ribbon Campaign Quiz were carried out.  There was also a Lucky Draw, sponsored by Star Cruises, in which a 4 Days 3 Nights trip aboard the Superstar Gemini was the grand prize of the day.

“Our most sincere thanks to the many sponsors, staff, and volunteers who worked incredibly hard to bring this event to life. We believe that together, with everyone’s support, we can break the silence and end the violence,” said Ho.

AWAM together with its supporters are determined to continue to champion women’s rights and bring an end to violence against women and girls. Through the White Ribbon Campaign, AWAM hopes to generate awareness, and provide a platform where men can break their silence and proactively engage on the issue of violence against women.

Apart from bringing awareness to the public through events such as the White Ribbon Campaign, AWAM also conducts trainings and workshops on gender-based violence issues, offers free counselling and legal information services, as well as does advocacy and law reform work.

The White Ribbon Campaign is the world’s largest movement of men and boys working to end violence against women and girls, promote gender equality, healthy relationships and a new vision of masculinity. The movement began in 1989 following the tragic shooting incident resulting in the death of 14 female engineering students in Montreal, Canada. The White Ribbon Campaign seeks to change attitudes and behaviours that lead to and perpetuate violence against women by engaging boys and men to lead social change.

Follow AWAM’s events and activities at www.facebook.com/AWAMMALAYSIA.