As gender equality remains a critical issue worldwide, White Ribbon is at the forefront of the fight to end gender-based violence through education, advocacy, and transformative programs. With initiatives like the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence and the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women, Executive Director Humberto Carolo discusses how White Ribbon is empowering men and boys to become allies for equity and change. Join us as we explore the organization’s impactful work and vision for a more equitable future. —Noa Nichol
What role does White Ribbon play in addressing gender-based violence during significant moments like the 16 Days of Activism and the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women?
During 16 days of activism, December 6th and throughout the year, White Ribbon plays a key role in raising awareness, mobilizing action, and fostering dialogue about all forms of gender-based violence and discrimination, particularly among men and boys. We engage them as allies and advocates by providing education and tools to help them challenge harmful attitudes and behaviours. Through campaigns, social media outreach, education programs, workshops and public events, we emphasize that everyone has a role to play in ending violence and promoting gender justice.
Can you share specific initiatives or programs White Ribbon is undertaking in 2025 to promote healthy masculinities and prevent gender-based violence?
In 2025, White Ribbon will continue its commitment to promoting healthy masculinities through various initiatives and programs. Our upcoming campaigns will focus on the importance of promoting healthy masculinities in ways that are non-violent, empathetic, and inclusive. We are also expanding our educational efforts in schools, workplaces, and communities, delivering tailored workshops that engage men and boys in meaningful conversations about consent, healthy relationships, radicalization, and positive masculinity. Additionally, we are launching a new, exciting online platform that will offer web-based education programs, digital tools, and resources to help individuals challenge harmful behaviours and create more inclusive, equitable environments.
How does White Ribbon work to engage men and boys as allies in the fight for gender equity, and what strategies have been most effective in changing harmful cultural norms?
White Ribbon is the largest movement of men and boys working together to end all forms of gender-based violence and discrimination. For over 30 years, we’ve engaged men and boys across Canada and the globe through education, open dialogue, and calls for positive transformation. Our approach emphasizes that gender justice benefits everyone, and we support men to take meaningful actions in their daily lives to ensure the safety and well-being of women, girls, and 2SLGBTQ+ people. Using relatable language and accessible tools, we help men, boys, and all allies feel confident in navigating these conversations and challenging harmful behaviours, inspiring them to be active allies in building a more equitable society.
The National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women marks a solemn moment for reflection. How does White Ribbon encourage meaningful action beyond remembrance?
For more than 30 years, the act of wearing a white ribbon has represented a pledge to never commit, condone or remain silent about gender-based violence and discrimination. During the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women, we call on all men and boys to make this pledge and take actionable steps in their everyday lives to prevent and disrupt all forms of gender-based violence and discrimination. We encourage men to reflect on their roles as allies, to speak out against violence, to model healthy and non-violent masculinities, and to actively engage in conversations that promote respectful relationships. Our campaigns, programs, and education efforts provide men with the tools to prevent, recognize and disrupt violence, misogyny, sexism, homophobia, transphobia, and other forms of hate and discrimination. We call on men, boys, and allies to leverage our mission and work to engage others on a path toward gender justice.
What are the biggest challenges White Ribbon faces in addressing issues such as online sexual exploitation, intimate partner violence, and radicalization prevention, and how do you navigate them?
As a small charity, one of our biggest challenges is the need for greater resources to address the complex and growing issues of online sexual exploitation, intimate partner violence, and radicalization prevention. The rise in technology-facilitated violence and harmful online behaviours demands swift, scalable responses, but as a smaller organization, we often face limitations in terms of funding and capacity.
In order to address the issues of our time more effectively, we need to scale our work significantly—expanding our educational programs, outreach efforts, and digital tools to ensure that we can reach more individuals, especially those at higher risk of being impacted by violence or hateful ideologies. With increased support, we can extend our programs and campaigns, develop more resources, and engage more communities to foster safer, more inclusive environments.
How does White Ribbon collaborate with workplaces, schools, and community organizations to foster safer, more equitable spaces? Can you share any success stories from these efforts?
We work with workplaces, schools, and community organizations by providing tailored workshops, training sessions, and resources that promote gender equity and prevent gender-based violence. Overall, the results are deeply impactful, with participants often reporting on the transformative power and relevance of our work.
From elementary to post-secondary students, to immigrant and refugee communities, to local and global workplaces, our education approach has always sparked meaningful conversations on gender equity and justice.
These are some recent quotes from program participants:
“I’ve been in post-secondary institutions in various capacities for eight years, and this workshop was exceptional. It was accessible, provided real-world examples, addressed male identities, and included the impacts of colonialism—all in a way that inspired us to make a difference.” — Post-secondary staff member, Ontario
“I attended the workshop last week, and it was fantastic! There isn’t enough awareness out there, so I’m glad to see White Ribbon doing this work!” — Workshop participant, Preventing Online Sexual Exploitation and Sextortion
Looking ahead, what is your vision for White Ribbon’s impact in the coming years, and how can individuals and communities get involved to support this mission?
We dream of a world where gender justice is a reality. Where women, girls and 2SLGBTQ+ people are able to thrive free of violence and discrimination. Where men and boys can be their authentic selves without pressure from dated and harmful norms and stereotypes.
We invite everyone to get involved with our work by amplifying our campaigns, engaging their communities, donating and actively advocating for allyship and gender equity. We all play a role in ending all forms of gender-based violence and discrimination.
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