This group is not just participating to get fitter, but also to raise awareness about violence against women.

With numbers like that, the DPIPWE White Ribbon group will be one of the biggest teams running from City Park on Sunday.

The department has joined the White Ribbon Australia Workplace Accreditation Program to ensure staff are safe and supported at work, secretary John Whittington said.

“Violence against women is a significant human rights issue and requires all sectors of the Australian community, including workplaces, to take action,” Mr Whittington said.

“It is everyone’s responsibility to reject and prevent all violence in our community. Staff of the DPIPWE are showing their support of the important work that White Ribbon do through their participation in a range of events across the state, including the Launceston 10 this weekend,” he said.

White Ribbon is an international movement of men and boys working to end violence against women, promote gender equity and healthy relationships.

Whether it occurs in the workplace or not, violence impacts women’s health and safety at work, as well as their wellbeing and productivity, Mr Whittington said.

In working towards White Ribbon Australia Workplace Accreditation, the department has committed to ‘walk the talk’ by aligning organisational values with action.

This action includes preventing men’s violence against women, driving social change, refining support offered to employees who are victims of violence, improving office safety and morale, directly addressing and mitigating risk in terms of anti-bullying legislation and reinforcing its commitment to equity and respect.

The department expects to see greater staff retention and reduce costs associated with staff absenteeism.