FYI, information about the launch of a new campaign at parliament grounds this Friday 31 August. We invite supporters to join the campaign with a $5 donation; they will receive a black ribbon that can be worn alongside or instead of the white ribbon.

MMA
MINISTRY OF MEN’S AFFAIRS
MINITATANGA MO NGA TANE

PO Box 13130, Tauranga 3141
[email protected]

28 August 2012

MEDIA RELEASE

Black Ribbons for Men

The Ministry of Men’s Affairs, an NGO set up to advance the welfare of men and fathers, announced today that its first project will be the Black Ribbon Campaign with the slogan “Show You Care About Men’.

The Black Ribbon Campaign will be launched when the Ministry of Men’s Affairs opens a temporary office on parliament grounds this Friday 31 August at 1:00pm.

Spokesperson Kerry Bevin said today that violence towards men deserves as much attention as any other violence, but male victims are often ignored.

“Men are the most frequent victims of violence in our community. Male victims hurt just as much and die just as fully as any other victims.”

Kerry Bevin said the Black Ribbon Campaign also hoped to draw attention to other issues such as men’s high suicide rate, high rates of male workplace death and serious injuries, shorter life spans and fathers’ frequent loss of meaningful contact with their children following separation.

“Many areas of gender inequality have been ignored for far too long because it’s men who are disadvantaged and we have lost sight of the importance of caring about men as well as women. The Ministry of Women’s Affairs has cost taxpayers over $100 million since it was set up while men’s issues have received the sum total of $0. It’s time New Zealand worked towards true gender equality by now reducing the many ways in which men are disadvantaged and discriminated against.”

Kerry Bevin expected some opposition to Friday’s launch from those who believe only women’s concerns should be prioritized.

“We hope people who care about men too will attend to show support.”
END