White Ribbon

OUR FUTURE HAS NO VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN AND GIRLS

Through education, awareness-raising, outreach, technical assistance, capacity building, and partnerships, White Ribbon’s programming challenges negative, outdated concepts of manhood and inspires men to understand and embrace the incredible potential they have to be a part of positive change.

Since 1991 men have worn white ribbons as a pledge to never commit, condone or remain silent about violence against women and girls.

OUR VALUES

Feminist and Intersectional
Within all of our work with men and boys, we enhance awareness of the increased risk female-identified, trans, non-conforming folks have of multiple forms of violence, due to their perceived gender identity. To fully understand the root causes, forms and impacts of gender-based violence, we must consider all social categories which intersect with gender, including race, class, sexualities, status, abilities, age.  We acknowledge that men do not experience power in the same ways.

Meaningful and Inclusive Engagement
We strive for mutually beneficial relationships based on transparency, accountability and inclusivity. We seek to build common ground, and commitments to ending gender-based violence, with a diversity of partners and stakeholders.

Balancing Evidence- Base and Innovation
Strong programmatic evidence has emerged in the field of engaging men and boys. We strive to root our programming in evidence, while understanding the unique needs and contexts of our partners, exploring participatory, innovative new approaches which create spaces of safety, equity and connection. 

Accountability 
As a gender-based violence prevention organization, we value the ongoing work and commitment of diverse women’s organizations and shelters across Canada, and the globe.  We work in partnership with women’s organizations, and other social justice organizations to advance our shared goals of preventing all forms of gender-based violence. Within our programs, we encourage male-identified folks to be(come) accountable to female-identified, trans, and non-binary folks who face proportionately higher rates of violence.  Men also need to be accountable to each other.

Work from the Heart 
This issue is inherently a personal one. With 1 in 3 women in Canada, and 1 in 6 men facing some form of violence in their lifetime. This issue requires that men specifically acknowledge and challenge their power, and privilege in subtle and explicit ways. We believe in drawing out lived experiences in a safe space, and making the connections between the personal and structural to foster alternative and healthy masculinities.

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