The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) launched the White Ribbon Campaign 2006 on 25 November 2006 to raise awareness of violence against women, together with non-governmental organisations the All Women's Action Society (AWAM) and Man's Action Network Against Violence (Man.V).

The annual event, held globally, aims to boost awareness and pro-active participation among young men to prevent acts of violence against women. As part of the campaign, men wear white ribbons and pledge never to commit, condone or to remain silent about violence against women.

"Data from various countries revealed the shocking facts that more than one third of women suffer physical violence at the hands of their male partners at some point during their lives," said United Nations Resident Coordinator Dr Richard Leete, in his opening speech.

Guest of honour, Dato' Param Cumaraswamy, former UN Special Rapporteur on the Independence of Judges and Lawyers, said "It is a period of reflection for men all over, of all walks of life, rich or poor to reflect on the suffering of women subjected to violence by men. It is a period of examining our conscience on the injustice of the matter."

During the campaign launch, AWAM President Judith Loh-Koh and Man.V Coordinator David Anthony also urged citizens not to remain silent and to say no to violence against women.

Celebrities like Reshmonu, as well as Vic and Victor of Malaysian Idol fame joined dozens of activists, college students and members of the public at the  colourful event, which saw exhilarating performances depicting relationships between men and women. They later also signed the White Ribbon pledge, together with Judith Loh-Koh, Dato' Param Cumaraswamy and Dr Richard Leete.

Following the launch, the White Ribbon Campaign 2006 Media Forum brought together members of the press in a dialogue to examine the portrayal of women in the media. The panelists were Jason Tan, editor of Off the Edge, Ng Miew Luan, Chief of Regional News of Sin Chew Daily and Philomena Pragasam, Programme Manager of Traxx FM radio station.

The panel offered insights into the various industry perspectives and standards of practice on the issue of violence and looked at recent cases which appeared in the media. The panel also called for greater gender sensitivity among the media practitioners.

News of the campaign appeared in The Star.