WUNRN
What
is the White Ribbon Campaign (WRC)?
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 WRC 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
WRC? How is this accomplished?
The main goal of WRC is ending violence against women in all its forms. We
accomplish this in five ways:
- Challenging
everyone to speak out, and think about their own beliefs, language and
actions.
- Educating
young people, especially young men and boys, on the issue through the
educational resources we produce.
- Raising
public awareness of the issue.
- Working
in partnership with women’s organizations, the corporate sector, the media
and other partners to create a future with no violence against women.
- Supporting
White Ribbon Campaigns around with our experience, resources and networks.
When is the focus of
WRC?
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.
What forms of violence
against women (VAW) concern you?
The most widespread problems are physical violence against spouses and
girlfriends (from hitting right up to murder) and sexual violence (usually
committed by a boyfriend, husband, trusted adult, or family member.) There is
also emotional abuse -- sexual harassment at work or on the street, stalking,
jokes that demean women, and controlling behavior. In some countries violence
occurs in the form of genital mutilation of girls and trafficking of girls and
young women into prostitution.
What about other forms
of violence?
Although ending men’s violence against women is our focus, we are concerned
about all forms of violence. We are deeply concerned about violence against
children. We are concerned about violence among boys on the playground, in the
sports arena, in relationships, and in war. And we are concerned by acts of
violence by women against women or against men, although these are not as
extensive nor as frequently lethal as men’s violence against women.
Unlike violence by some women against men,
violence committed by some men against women has long been socially acceptable
and is deeply rooted in beliefs of men’s superiority and of men’s right to
control the lives of “their” women.
Does this mean you
think that men are bad?
We do not think that men are naturally violent and we don't think that men are
bad, however we do think all men have roles and responsibilities in ending
violence against women. The majority of men are not physically violent.
Researchers tell us many past cultures had little or no violence.
At the same time, we do think that some men have
learned to express their anger or insecurity through violence. Far too many men
have come to believe that violence against a woman, child or another man is an
acceptable way to control another person, especially an intimate partner.
By remaining silent about these things, we allow
other men to poison our work, schools and homes.
The good news is that more and more men and boys
want to make a difference. Caring men are tired of the sexism that hurts the
women around them. Caring men are also concerned with the impact of this
violence on the lives of men and boys.
Do you have opinions
on other issues of the day?
Our goal is for all men and boys to get involved in a campaign devoted to
creating a future without violence against women. Within the WRC there is a
great diversity of opinion on many important issues, including ones relating to
moral, religious and political beliefs. These issues are important, but they
shouldn’t prevent men from working together to stop domestic violence, sexual
assault, and sexual harassment. And so we agree to hold diverse opinions. We
include men from across the political spectrum from left to right, of all
religions, ethnic and racial groups, and backgrounds.
Does everyone have to
wear a white ribbon?
Some campaigns use cloth ribbons or small white ribbon pins shaped into our
distinctive logo. Others have the white ribbon logo printed on T-shirts or
hats. Some use cloth or plastic wristbands. And some only use the logo on
posters, pamphlets, or in TV ads.
Who starts local and
national campaigns?
The White Ribbon Campaign is unique in that it is a decentralized effort that
believes that people know best what will most effectively reach men and boys in
their community, school, workplace, and country. In that sense, anyone who
believes in the goals and philosophy of the WRC can start a campaign. We encourage
White Ribbon supporters in each country or community to work together. In some
countries there is an official White Ribbon organization.
Are women part of WRC?
Do they wear the 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.
What are your
relations with women's groups?
We acknowledge the expertise and central role of women in challenging violence
against women. With tremendous heroism, they pioneered this work; they set up
support programs for women and pushed for social awareness and legal change. It
is essential for our local groups to have an ongoing dialogue with women's
groups in their community. Real progress will only be achieved in partnership
with women’s organizations.
Who runs the White
Ribbon Campaign?
In Canada we have a volunteer Board of Directors as well as a small but
dedicated staff. Around the world, the WRC is led by many different
organizations. The heart and soul of the organization are concerned men and
women like you.
So what type of
organization is it?
It's an organization like no other. Not only does it include men and women from
varying social and political perspectives, but it is an organization that has
avoided becoming hierarchical or bureaucratic. We want to keep our emphasis on
the community, on the schools and workplaces.
How are you funded?
Although specific projects may be supported by the government, we do not
receive any core funding support from any level of government. We rely solely
on individual and corporate fundraising, events and project specific government
funding.
We recognize that intervention and support
services for women who experience violence are under-funded and
under-resourced. Because of this, for most of our existence we refused to apply
for government funding so as not to further strain these limited resources.
We now have a government funding policy which
explicitly prohibits us from applying for support and intervention funding. We
only apply for violence prevention funds in partnership with a women’s
organization, unless specifically invited.
Does this take money
away from women's groups?
We support women's programs by encouraging men to give generously to them and
by encouraging schools and others to raise money. We believe that by
contributing to the reduction of violence against women, we are contributing to
the overstretched resources of women's services. And we believe that as more
men see this as an important issue, funding will increase to women’s
organizations. As mentioned above, we will only accept funding for projects
when partnered with a women’s organization, unless specifically invited.
Do you provide grants
or general financial support?
Unfortunately, the WRC is not in the position to provide funding or grants for
projects, organizations, or travel, or for establishing national or local White
Ribbon Campaigns.
How can I help?
We encourage you to support White Ribbon activities in your community, and we
encourage you to help the WRC in Canada and around the world with your generous
financial support.
Visit our blog:
ourfuturehasnoviolenceagainstwomen.blogspot.com
Join the White Ribbon
Campaign Facebook group:
www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=2211231823