Abbreviation WRC | Type Non-profit | |
Motto Men Working to End Men's Violence against Women Formation November 1991 (November 1991) Founder Jack Layton, Ron Sluser, Michael Kaufman Purpose Ending violence against women | ||
The White Ribbon Campaign (WRC) is a global movement of men and boys working to end male violence against women and girls. It was formed by a group of pro-feminist men in London, Ontario in November 1991 as a response to the École Polytechnique massacre of female students by Marc Lépine in 1989. The campaign was intended to raise awareness about the prevalence of male violence against women, with the ribbon symbolizing "the idea of men giving up their arms." Active in over 60 countries, the movement seeks to promote healthy relationships, gender equity, and a compassionate vision of masculinity.
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History
Much of their work centres around gender violence prevention which includes educating and mentoring young men about issues such as violence and gender equality. Men and boys are encouraged to wear white ribbons as a symbol of their opposition to violence against women. They are particularly encouraged to wear these during White Ribbon week which starts on November the 25th which is the UN Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women.
The White Ribbon Campaign is active in over 60 nations across the world including Canada, Australia, Pakistan, Italy and the UK.
Whiteribbon.org
In 2014 the anti-feminist organisation A Voice for Men launched whiteribbon.org as a counter to the White Ribbon campaign, adopting graphics and language from White Ribbon. It is owned by Erin Pizzey and has the slogan "Stop Violence Against Everyone". Accused of "hijacking" White Ribbon, the site was harshly criticized by Todd Minerson, executive director of The White Ribbon Campaign, who described it as "a copycat campaign articulating their archaic views and denials about the realities of gender-based violence". The site presents the claim that domestic violence is perpetrated equally by women and men and displays "anti-feminist propaganda".