The Niagara IceDogs have teamed up with South Niagara’s Women’s Place to end gender-based violence by participating in their 16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence campaign. The initiative was conducted as part of the OHL Onside Program that sees all 20 member teams participate in training and educational workshops to raise awareness of the player’s responsibility to demonstrate respect for women through their actions and words.
The 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence is an annual campaign that challenges everyone to take action to build a safer and more equitable future for women and girls. This year, the IceDogs are making a difference by committing to actions to help make this future a reality.
On Tuesday, November 29th, IceDogs players participated in a workshop with Women’s Place, learning about how they as role models can can help end gender-based violence.
Even small actions can have a big impact. IceDogs players were educated on several of the following points:
- Acknowledge that gender-based violence is a problem in our society.
- Call friends out on language that discriminates against women.
- Celebrate the achievements of women in sport, at work, at school…
- Always ask for consent in your relationships.
- Notice and challenge what you believe about gender stereotypes. For instance, what do you believe is a “man’s role” and a “woman’s role” or how a girl “should” behave vs. how a boy “should” behave?
- Report any photos and posts on social media that exploit or degrade women or girls.
- Don’t share or laugh at sexist or demeaning jokes.
- Support organizations that support women.
- Remember that you may be a mentor to young people and model respectful language when talking about women.
- Don’t blame victims of gender-based violence for what happened to them.
- Teach men and boys that it is okay to show their emotions.
For more information on the South Niagara Women’s Place or to donate to their important cause, visit womensplacesn.org.
