New Zealand's greatest warrior for women's rights returns to call for action on domestic violence #BringBackKate

Women’s Refuge is launching a national campaign today to bring back suffragette and iconic New Zealand campaigner, Kate Sheppard to call for action on domestic violence. 

Heather Henare, Chief Executive of Women’s Refuge says, “the government’s acknowledgement of the severity of the domestic violence issue last week and their commitment to bring about change is a positive step forward. It was also heartening to see John Key himself, personally saying that the high rate of family violence is unacceptable.”

“What we need now, however, is momentum to ensure that this statement is followed by action. Violence against women and children in this country is reaching epidemic levels and the impact of this issue is felt far beyond the people it directly affects. Solving the problem is a complex and multilayered task that will require a truly collaborative national effort.”

“We are therefore calling on the people of New Zealand to pledge their commitment to helping us see action delivered and acknowledge that we all have a part to play in ending domestic violence. We think there was no better champion to lead this call than the greatest defender of New Zealand women’s and human rights, Kate Sheppard.”

New Zealanders will be able to help Women’s Refuge “Bring Back Kate” by posting their name and pledge of commitment on www.BringBackKate.co.nz.

Every time a pledge is submitted, it will be added to a sheet of clear acrylic which will be laser cut into a thin cross section to form a layer of a specially created statue of Kate Sheppard. Each layer will be engraved with names and personal pledges. The final statue will then be presented to parliament as a collective representation of the country’s commitment for action.