White Ribbon: “The change begins here.”
Founded in Toronto in the early 90s, White Ribbon is an organization dedicated to involving boys and men in the fight against sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV). Now present in over 60 countries, White Ribbon is committed to systemic change in the misogynistic norms that structure our societies.
Its actions focus on sexist and/or misogynist attitudes, behaviours and values in schools, workplaces and families. The aim is to educate and involve men, from the earliest age, in building a safer, fairer and more equitable world for girls and women.
Services
Consulting services for professionals
The technical assistance service (available in French and English) is aimed at businesses, community services and government institutions. Through personalized consultations, White Ribbon helps professionals implement policies, strategies and education programs that promote equality and inclusion. The purpose is to promote a culture of collective and individual responsibility in the fight against SGBV in the workplace.
Awareness Workshops
White Ribbons offer a variety of workshops for teenagers, students, employees and managers. Offered in French and English, they cover topics such as:
- Causes, factors and forms of sexual abuse and exploitation in academic, professional and online environments;
- Prevention and intervention strategies for family members, educators and health professionals who intervene in situations of sexual and gender-based violence;
- Rape culture and its mechanisms, as well as its impact on survivors and society;
- The culture of consent, with an emphasis on the crucial role of allied witnesses;
- The influence of the manosphere and masculinist networks, notably through online discourse and sexist social norms.
All these workshops emphasize the concept of the “male allyship”, focusing on the key role of boys and men in combating and preventing SGBV. Interactive, the workshops include information sessions, practical case studies and Q&A sessions with expert facilitators.
An accountability program to become an ally
Inspired by the concept of restorative justice, White Ribbon offers safe spaces for former abusers to discuss and understand the consequences of their actions, of sexual violence against women, and to begin a process of empowerment.
More than simply acknowledging the harm caused, the aim is to encourage active transformation: becoming spokespeople for change, raising awareness among other men and engaging in concrete action against SGBV.
Close-up of White Ribbon campaigns
As part of its awareness-raising and prevention mandate, White Ribbon has created some 15 hard-hitting videos (available in English only), addressing several themes related to healthy and inclusive masculinity. These include:
- Gender stereotypes and their impacts on masculine identities;
- The importance of tolerance, gender diversity and inclusion;
- Issues of social justice, equality and equity;
- Physical, mental and sexual well-being;
- SGBV in the school, family and professional spheres.
The Women’s Y invites you to discover the I knew all along campaign, a forceful video that illustrates the unconscious internalization of violence against girls and women in everyday actions and interactions. Its powerful and educational approach provides a solid basis for reflection on the positive alternatives to adopt for healthy and respectful masculinity.
