International issues on menu at women's lunch

Kaddie Pass

Ms Lloyd discussed UNIFEM's origins at the lunch Photo: Kimberly Douglas

8 August 2006: Internationalisation was the focus of the annual University of Canberra women's lunch, held last month.

Organised by the Harmony Committee and the Women's Professional Development Committee, the event is now in its third year and is going from strength to strength. Many of the guests were drawn to the lunch to hear guest speaker Libby Lloyd, UNIFEM Australia's national president, speak about the work she is undertaking with the United Nations' women's arm.

Ms Lloyd explained UNIFEM's roots, which began in 1976 following the first International Women's Year the previous year.

"UNIFEM is not actually an acronym of anything but derives from the words 'une femme' with the idea of 'one woman - working together'," she said.   

UNIFEM is best known for its work around White Ribbon Day, that marks the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women.

"The campaign has grown remarkably over the last few years. In 2003 10,000 ribbons were distributed and by 2005 this had jumped to 250,000. This year one million ribbons will be produced for distribution," Ms Lloyd said.

She explained wearing a white ribbon is a personal pledge to not commit, condone nor remain silent about violence against women and children.

"Violence against women is not a women's issue but a man's," she said, but added it is an issue that women nevertheless have a stake in.

Leonie-Ruth Acland, Harmony Program coordinator, said the University is planning a number of activities to support UNIFEM including White Ribbon Day and would welcome anyone interested in helping with the event.

Chancellor Ingrid Moses who was guest of honour at the lunch, expressed her support for a University of Canberra UNIFEM Annual Spring Walk to raise money to support women and children around the world.