Rio Tinto recognised by White Ribbon Australia for its commitment to family and domestic violence change

Rio Tinto has been officially recognised by White Ribbon Australia for taking active steps in the workplace to stop violence against women.

Following more than 18 months work, Rio Tinto has achieved a White Ribbon Workplace Accreditation, recognising the company is working to eradicate violence affecting employees and the communities in which it operates.

The accreditation has been achieved through Rio Tinto’s consistent demonstrations of effective leadership, resource allocation, communication and human resource policy development.


Pictured (L-R): Rio Tinto Growth & Innovation Project Shaping general manager Rachel Durdin, Rio Tinto Growth & Innovation Communications & Communities manager Jenny Waller, Rio Tinto Growth & Innovation group executive Stephen McIntosh, White Ribbon CEO Libby Davies, White Ribbon Programmes senior executive Jennifer Mullen and Rio Tinto Inclusion & Diversity senior manager Mandy Rankin

Rio Tinto Growth & Innovation group executive Stephen McIntosh who has led the company’s work with White Ribbon said "Businesses should never underestimate the role they can play in creating a zero tolerance culture when it comes to violence against women in the community. It starts with creating safe, caring and respectful workplaces.

"We are proud to be recognised as the first global mining company in Australia to become an accredited White Ribbon workplace, whereby we are committed to breaking the cycle of violence against women."

The accreditation recognises its broader responsibility in creating social change within the community in which it operates. Evidence of the work done to achieve the accreditation was independently reviewed by external assessors who are experienced specialists across organisational development, gender equality, health and accreditation.


Pictured: Rio Tinto Growth & Innovation group executive Stephen McIntosh signs a White Ribbon pledge as White Ribbon CEO Libby Davies (far right) looks on

Rio Tinto managing director Australia, Joanne Farrell said "Last year we made the announcement of an improved group Family and Domestic Violence Policy outlining important changes to our processes and resources to support families and communities affected by family and domestic violence.

"Today’s recognition of our White Ribbon workplace accreditation reinforces we are committed to creating safe, gender equal and respectful workplaces and that we are well-equipped to support our employees and communities."

The milestone will support Rio Tinto’s future global rollout of the initiative starting with its North American businesses later this year.

White Ribbon chief executive Libby Davies said "Rio Tinto has excelled in all 15 assessment criteria under three separate standards, a significant achievement and something to be very proud of. Workplaces that embed gender equality, and actively support and recognise the impact violence and disrespectful relationships have in families and on their employees, should be the norm and not the exception. We applaud Rio Tinto for its commitment to this standard."

White Ribbon’s Workplace Accreditation Programme is internationally recognised and has reached over 600,000 employees nationally. The program has been independently evaluated and referenced by a group of human resources, human rights, domestic violence and education professionals, ensuring a best practice product.