RAROTONGA, Cook Islands – During the global 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence (25 November - 10 December) this year, the Cook Islands Ministry of Internal Affairs, with the funding support from the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Pacific, organised a campaign to cultivate a ‘culture of non-violence’ against women and girls in the small island country in the South Pacific Ocean.

One out of every three (33%) women and girls in Cook Islands aged between 15 and 64 reported experiencing sexual and/or physical violence in their lifetime committed by her intimate partner, and 8% in the last 12 months, according to a 2012 study by the World Health Organization (WHO).  Every year there are over 70 reported cases recorded against men for assaults on women.  Most violence by men against women takes place in the home, according to the Ministry .

Against this backdrop, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, Cook Islands (INTAFF), in collaboration with the Office of the Ombudsman, organized the White Ribbon Family event on 25 November 2023 at the Taua Terevete Park, to reinforce their advocacy efforts towards a violence-free Cook Islands and inspire positive change. Families, community leaders, students, and local businesses gathered to support the cause. They wore a white ribbon to show that they do not condone violence towards women and girls. The well-known father and son DJs from Cook Islands, Jacob Strickland (DJ Reminise) and Kalib Strickland (DJ K-Swizz), performed for the White Ribbon Day and the 16 Days of Activism campaign.

Welcoming those men and boys who joined the event, Hon. Secretary of Internal Affairs, Ms. Anne Herman, stated in the opening remarks for the event, "I am so proud to see so many of you here to support our women and girls and stand up for a ‘violence-free Cook Islands.’ We can change the narrative for women and girls, and it is important that men are part of that change.”

“This annual event signifies a call to action, especially for men and boys to unite and support women, girls and families.  This action should not stop just when the White Ribbon Day ends today, or the 16 Days pass on 10 December, but to continue at all times,” said Ms. Sara Sua, UNFPA Assistant Representative and Head of Samoa Multi-Country Office.  “UNFPA is pleased to be part of this campaign led by the esteemed Ministry of Internal Affairs and able to provide, albeit humble, funding support to the national efforts at eradicating gender-based violence from Cook Islands.”

The White Ribbon Day was started by a men's movement in Canada in 1991, and has since been adopted by the United Nations as the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women.  The campaign was introduced to the Cook Islands through the Cook Islands Police and Punanga Tauturu Inc. Cook Islands Women’s Counselling Centre

Headliners and Cook Islands well-known DJ’s, father and son Jacob Strickland (DJ Reminise) and Kalib Strickland (DJ K-Swizz), shared their DJ talents with the audience playing music, while sharing inspiring stories of the impact