Women’s House Serving Bruce and Grey (WHSBG) shares paths forward over 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence.

The greatest influencers of men’s action are men themselves, writes WHSBD coordinator Jessica St.Peter:

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Male Allyship and Male Champions Inspire Change 

Jessica St.Peter, Public Education and Volunteer Coordinator, WHSBG

The elimination of GBV is an issue that impacts us all, and requires us all to invest in the change of our beliefs, values and actions. The inequality and oppression of women is systemic and has had generational impact, but the power of individual change and action has the ability to alter the systems and institutions that continue to disempower and harm women.  

There are many incredible men in our community who believe that women and girls are equal, deserve to be safe and to be treated with respect. The unfortunate part is that these men are often supporting, empowering and mentoring women on an individual basis and we don’t often hear the stories of their action in the same way we hear of the harm or impact of male violence against women.  

There is a distinct desire for many men in our community to increase their knowledge, self-reflection and skills so that they can be allies in the elimination of violence against women and girls, creating change in their intimate relationships, families, communities, workplaces and the greater systems.

WHSBG is hearing that call for a means to which men can increase their participation and demonstrate through beliefs, words and action, and greater alignment towards a solution to a problem that is not individual but societal. In the beginning of 2023 WHSBG is partnering with SASC’s Male Allies Program to run a virtual multi-session Male Allies Training course. To register for the training please contact our Public Educator at [email protected].  

The greatest influencers of men’s action are men themselves. Grandfathers, fathers, brothers, uncles, teachers, coaches, bosses, political leaders and community services providers interact with community members on a daily basis and are role models for how we should talk about, treat and support women.  

Ways Men Can Be Part of the Solution:

• recognize that domestic violence is every man’s responsibility,
• speak up. Don’t be a silent bystander,
• challenge men who use sexist language and make degrading jokes about women,
• listen & learn from women, inquire about the impacts of inequality and violence against them,
• think about how our attitudes and language contribute to the problems of men’s abuse of women,
• understand domestic violence is not a private matter – it’s a human rights violation,
• recognize that degrading images of women in the media are linked to violence against women,
• boycott political leaders, businesses, magazines, videos and music that promote violence against women,
• talk to and teach boys and young men about healthy relationships,
• walk the talk and be a good role model,
• seek help if you have a problem being emotionally, verbally, or physically abusive – call CMHA’s men’s program 1-888-451-CMHA (2642),
• support anti-violence campaigns in your community!

A reflection from Travis, a community member:

As the step-father to two young girls with an absent father I knew I had years to make up for. I knew I wanted to be a protector.

I knew I wanted to keep them safe. I just did not realize that it was important for me to do so without being controlling or intimidating.

I needed to show them through my actions what they deserved in life.

I needed to show them through the way I treated their mother, how I talked to them and how I talked about women in general.

I want them to know I will protect them, respect them and support them in good times and bad and that they deserve the same from all men.

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Are you interested in helping out families this holiday season? Consider taking part in the Women's House Christmas Program.

Each holiday season we provide gift hampers to women and children, helping to brighten what can be a difficult time for many.

If you (or your family/workplace/business/friend group) would like to take part in bringing some cheer to area families, please contact the transition program at 519-396-9814 ext. 226.

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source: media release, Women's House Serving Bruce and Grey