What is the White Ribbon Campaign?
The White Ribbon Campaign (WRC) is the largest effort in the world of men working to end violence against women (VAW). In over fifty-five countries, campaigns are led by both men and women, even though the focus is on educating men and boys. In some countries it is a general public education effort focused on ending violence against women.
How did the White Ribbon Campaign get Started?
In 1991, a handful of men in Canada decided they had a responsibility to urge men to speak out about violence against women. Wearing a white ribbon would be a symbol of men's opposition to violence against women. With only six weeks of preparation, 100,000 men across Canada wore a white ribbon, while many others were drawn into discussion and debate.
What does it mean to wear a white ribbon?
Wearing a white ribbon is a personal pledge to never commit, condone or remain silent about violence against women and girls. Wearing a white ribbon is a way of saying, “Our future has no violence against women.”
What is the goal of the White Ribbon Campaign ?
The main goal of WRC is ending violence against women in all its forms.
When is the focus of the White Ribbon Campaign?
WRC in Canada runs its campaign from from November 25 (the International Day for the Eradication of Violence Against Women) until December 6, Canada's National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women. Other countries support 16 Days of Action from November 25th until December 10th but campaigns can occur at any time of the year.
Are women a part of the White Ribbon Campaign? Do they wear a ribbon?
In Canada, the WRC is primarily a campaign of men, aimed at boys and young men. But we have women on our board and on our staff. Many local campaigns are encouraged by women’s groups, many are led by men and women together, and women participate in many, if not most, activities.
In some countries, campuses, and communities, White Ribbon is led exclusively by men. In others, it is a joint effort or even one where women are leading.
Although the ribbon started as a symbol of men’s opposition to violence against women, in many schools and communities both males and females wear the ribbon. For men, it is a personal pledge, for women a show of support that men and boys have a role and responsibility in ending violence against women.
For more informaiton on the White Ribbon Campaign visit their website here.
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