Advertising Feature
Since the White Ribbon movement was born out of a misogyny-driven tragedy in Canada, we asked the current executive director of White Ribbon in Canada, Humberto Carolo, to describe their origins and goals in his own words.
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Why and when did White Ribbon come to be founded?
White Ribbon was created by three men in Toronto two years after the December 6, 1989 Montreal Massacre where 14 women were murdered at an engineering school. The founders felt that men needed to take greater responsibility and play an increased role in ending violence against women.
They came up with the idea of a white ribbon as a man’s pledge to never commit, condone or remain silent about all forms of violence against women.
How many countries now mark a White Ribbon Day (or Week)?
We have counted over 60 countries around the world where White Ribbon campaign activities have been organised. This is a tremendous feat given the grassroots nature of the White Ribbon movement.
Much more work remains to be done, however, to deepen men’s engagement in gender equality, in ending all forms of gender-based violence and in promoting healthy masculinities.
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What are White Ribbon's ultimate goals?
White Ribbon’s vision is; A Future Without Gender-based Violence. White Ribbon has grown beyond the simple act of wearing a ribbon and starting conversations. We are now working together with educators, community and political leaders, women’s organisations, sports, media, corporations, governments, etcetera, to engage in meaningful conversations and actions to engage men as equitable and accountable allies in the promotion of gender equality everywhere; in personal relationships, in the home, community, workplace, and in our institutions.
We recognise that misogyny, violence against women, and gender inequality have roots in deeply entrenched patriarchal systems and social norms and therefore it’s up to all of us, including men and boys, and people of all genders, to work together to challenge and address those systems. We need to address the intersectional nature of women’s experiences with violence and therefore need to form stronger alliances with diverse social movements that address poverty, racism, homophobia, colonialism, and other forms of oppression.
