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Transformative Social Change

Educational Partners Answered The Call

White Ribbon works across the life cycle to develop and deliver critical gender-based violence prevention programming in English and French for use in elementary, secondary, and post-secondary schools. As early as possible, we seek to educate and inspire children and youth, particularly boys, to understand consent, gender equity and healthy masculinities.

Not only did we expand our work in Ontario, but we began to reach into the English and French-language education systems within Nova Scotia, British Columbia, New Brunswick, Québec, and Nunavut, thanks to our partnerships with the Canadian Teachers Federation, the Elementary Teachers' Federation of Ontario, the Ontario Secondary School Teachers' Federation, and key provincial educators unions across Canada.

Our educational programming addressed sex trafficking, online child exploitation, consent, anti-colonialism, healthy masculinities and allyship across Canada. We called out to youth, young adults, parents, and educators to:

  • Recognize the signs of online sexual exploitation and reach out for help.

  • See the undeniable connections between colonialism, patriarchy, and oppression.

  • Practice healthy masculinities and see the difference it makes!

  • Notice the impact of unhealthy masculinities in everyday life.

  • Challenge rigid gender norms and expectations and adopt equitable alternatives.

  • Learn more about the prevalence, risks and impacts of sexual exploitation and sex trafficking.

  • Equip youth with the skills they need to practice online safety, healthy boundaries, and consent.

  • Use White Ribbon’s educational resources and tools to engage youth in meaningful conversations regarding consent, gender equity and healthy masculinities, ultimately enhancing their allyship skills.

Our work was funded by Women and Gender Equality Canada, Public Safety Canada, the Ontario Ministry of Education, and the Ontario Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services. The Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario supported our programming in elementary schools across the province.

Program participants shared:

“It has been an absolute pleasure to continue building a partnership with White Ribbon, collaborating on fantastic initiatives and programming, and having these important conversations with our community. White Ribbon’s dedication and knowledge in gender-based and sexual violence and allyship are invaluable, and we are excited about future collaborations!”
—Post-Secondary Gender-Based Violence Prevention Education Coordinator.

“The most meaningful learning for me was when we talked about how we can help support people in these kinds of situations”
—Youth participant (Online sexual exploitation prevention workshop)

Participants reported transformative results:

97
% Increased knowledge

92
% Enhanced skills

91
% Changed behaviours

Community Partners