MIT is proud to have achieved and be recognized as a fully accredited White Ribbon Workplace engendering a whole of organization commitment to creating a safer and respective workplace committed to stopping violence against women. As an internationally recognized accreditation program building on existing gender equality and diversity initiatives, the program also supports victims of family violence.
MIT recognizes that this situation can occur both within and outside of MITs own community of staff and students and we support any student or staff who is impacted by family violence by giving them access to professional counselling and other support necessary to assist the victim to be in a secure and caring environment.
The carriage of this direction is forged by the members of the Executive Management Team with members representing both genders who have a commitment to ending violence against women.
MIT also urges students and staff to engage in the White Ribbon program via the following measures:
- There is an array of information on White Ribbon and associated activities on the White Ribbon webpage.
- You can swear the White Ribbon Oath online: Take the Pledge
- You may also wish to participate in the White Ribbon online training program.
- The YouTube Tedtalk by Jackson Katz is recommended viewing. This is a thought-provoking talk that challenges the concept of domestic violence and sexual abuse being called "women's issues". In this bold and blunt talk, Katz points out that these are intrinsically men's issues and shows how these violent behaviours are tied to definitions of manhood. It is a clear call for us all — women and men — to call out unacceptable behaviour and be leaders of change.
White Ribbon message from the CEO
To the Staff and Students of MITWhite Ribbon (WR) is the largest movement engaging men and boys to be part of the solution on ending violence against women, promoting gender equality and building positive relationships based on respect, equality and safety.
This is a global movement, which aims to create a society in which all women can live in safety, free from violence and abuse. Be aware that over 12 months, on average, one woman is killed every week in Australia because of intimate partner violence. Think about the women in your lives - your mother, sister, daughter or friend and think how you would cope if domestic violence happened to them.
Domestic and family violence is not just a private or personal issue, but also has impacts in the workplace. Family violence can result in increased sick leave usage and stress, decreased productivity and high employee turnover. It can also affect co-workers in various ways.
Our action of building an environment where this type of behaviour is challenged and not tolerated is the right thing to occur. We can make a difference. Violence occurs because the perpetrator believe that the abuse is justified and acceptable, whether it is physical, mental, emotional, financial or sexual in nature. Victims of such abuse often feel trapped, isolated, scared and silent. We can be their voice. We can make a difference.
I will do all in my power to encourage you all to embrace the message of White Ribbon. I strongly encourage you to take the White Ribbon oath and actively contribute to achieving gender equality and preventing violence against women by men and boys.
Shesh Ghale CEO
MIT