The History of the White Ribbon Association
The White Ribbon Association was formally known as the British Women’s Temperance Association (BWTA) and was founded in 1876, as the first women’s temperance organisation.
As opinions and social habits changed in the latter half of the Twentieth century the temperance movement was somewhat forgotten. However, the White Ribbon Association was instrumental in bringing women into the public sphere and contributed significantly to society over the years.
The name of White Ribbon Association pays homage to this history. The white ribbon was the symbol of the women’s temperance movement – women would pin a bow of white ribbon to their clothing to signify their loyalty to the cause and would refer to themselves as “White Ribboners”.
The White Ribbon Association has been working in the field of health promotion for over 140 years since it’s foundation. While our methods have changed dramatically over the years, our ethos remains the same as it did in 1876.
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