Fortescue Metals Group (Fortescue) is standing together with Hedland’s Women’s Refuge to recognise White Ribbon Day and help eliminate domestic violence in our communities.
Fortescue recently entered into a five-year partnership with the Hedland Women’s Refuge, which includes $25,000 of funding as well as opportunities to assist the Refuge, such as helping with the recent upgrade of the outdoor recreation area.
Fortescue Chief Executive Officer and White Ribbon Ambassador Nev Power said: “At Fortescue, we believe we have a responsibility as an industry leader to demonstrate leadership on the important issue of domestic and family violence in our workplaces and in the wider community.”
“We particularly welcome the participation of our Aboriginal contracting partner, Pilbara ToxFree Environmental Solutions, who have matched our commitment to the Women’s Refuge. It is only when the entire community commits to ending this scourge, we will begin to see progress,” he said.
Hedland Women’s Refuge Chief Executive Officer and Hedland Family Violence Action Group Chair Vikki Batcheler said the ongoing partnership with Fortescue has assisted them to continue to provide crisis accommodation and holistic programs to women and children escaping family and domestic violence.
"The ripple effect of our relationship with Fortescue can be felt throughout the community and the example Fortescue unknowingly sets is often spoken about at many inter-agency meetings," Ms Batcheler said.
Mr Power said building greater equality and respect between men and women can reduce attitudes that support violence.
“At Fortescue, we support and develop our female workforce, and are committed to creating a welcoming, supportive and encouraging environment for women,” he said.