It is a mission of hope for the members of Women’s Issues Network (WIN), who created and distributed thousands of white ribbons to raise awareness and help bring an end to violence against women.
Members and the wider public received ribbons, along with informational cards, as part of WIN’s White Ribbon Campaign in the weeks leading up to and on December 6— the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women. On this day in 1989, 14 women were murdered at Montreal's École Polytechnique simply because they were women.
“More than 20 years after the horrific murders of 14 women in Montreal, violence against women remains a tragic and brutal reality," said President Pearl Sawyer. "Many women continue to suffer as victims of domestic abuse, sexual assaults, workplace harassment and much more. In 2013, this is unacceptable. Women deserve to feel safe in their homes, workplaces and communities. On this National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence against women, let us join together, brothers and sisters, and reaffirm our commitment to helping eradicate all forms of violence against women."
Karen Tapscott, Chair of Region 2- Central East for WIN, created more than 850 white ribbons and cards for the campaign.
“A lot of people don’t remember December 6,” said Tapscott, who works at a Loblaws Great Food in Pickering. “We wanted to make people more aware. It’s about remembering those who died in Montreal, and doing our part to help end violence against women.”
Gail Thrower, Chair of Region 5-East for WIN, also created and distributed white ribbons and cards.
“It’s a very important campaign because this is an issue that is close to a lot people’s hearts,” said Thrower, who works at Heidi’s Independent Grocer in Petrolia.
The statistics are sobering. More than half of all females in Canada will experience violence at some point in their lifetime — typically at the hand of someone they know. Approximately 70 women a year are murdered by their partners or ex-partners, and annually tens of thousands of women report they are targets of a domestic assault.
"On behalf of Local 1000A, I want to commend the members of the Women's Issues' Network for their valuable work on their White Ribbon Campaign,” said Sawyer. “Thank you sisters for your passion and dedication in helping raise awareness and building safer communities for all."
Local 1000A activist Diana O’Brien said the reception to the campaign from members and the public has been positive.
“It has been so well-received in every location we have given out ribbons and cards,” she said.
WIN's initiative is inspired by the global White Ribbon campaign, which was co-founded by former NDP Leader Jack Layton. According to the official website, the white ribbons signify "a pledge to never commit, condone or remain silent about violence against women and girls."
For more information, visit whiteribbon.ca
Thank you to everyone who participated and made this initiative a great success!
