Each year, communities around the world come together on White Ribbon Day to take a visible stand against gender-based violence. Observed on November 25th, White Ribbon Day marks the beginning of the United Nations’ 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence. The activism officially runs through December 10th, which is Human Rights Day.
Around the world, communities use this time to spotlight prevention, engage allies, and reaffirm that everyone deserves to be safe. At The Second Step, this commitment is woven into our everyday work with survivors and our efforts to build healthier communities.
A Global Movement with Local Impact
The White Ribbon Campaign began in 1991 in Canada, founded by a group of men outraged by the 1989 École Polytechnique massacre, in which 14 women were murdered solely because they were women. The movement grew with a powerful message: that men and boys have a responsibility to speak out against all forms of gender-based violence and to challenge the societal norms that perpetuate it.
Participants are encouraged to wear a white ribbon as a pledge to “never commit, condone, or remain silent about violence against women and girls.” Over time, the campaign evolved into an international effort across more than 60 countries, including the U.S. The campaign began mobilizing people of all genders to confront gender inequality, toxic masculinity, and cycles of abuse.
White Ribbon Day is often marked by opportunities for advocates, leaders, and survivors to come together and call for meaningful change. The Second Step is proud to join partners and allies in advocating for policies and investments that promote safety, prevention, and healing.
Why This Matters to The Second Step
The White Ribbon Campaign’s focus on challenging harmful norms aligns closely with The Second Step’s belief that ending domestic violence requires cultural change, strong community support, and opportunities for survivors to rebuild their lives in safety.
For this year’s White Ribbon Day, consider embracing the following calls to action:
- Take the White Ribbon pledge and ask:
- How can we foster safe, respectful spaces in our homes, workplaces, and communities?
- How can we interrupt harmful attitudes, language, or behaviors?
- How can we show up for survivors by supporting trauma-informed resources and prevention work?
- What actions can we take to dismantle the systems that allow gender-based violence to persist?
- Join the White Ribbon movement and consider:
- Wearing a white ribbon as a sign of your commitment
- Starting conversations about healthy relationships
- Hosting a conversation in your workplace
- Donating to The Second Step to support survivors and build healthier communities
- Using your voice to advocate for lasting change
White Ribbon Day is one moment in a much larger movement to end violence and build communities where everyone can live with safety, dignity, and hope. At The Second Step, we are grateful to stand alongside survivors and alongside allies committed to creating lasting change.
Together, we can create a world where everyone feels safe, valued, and free from violence.