Those of us living in the Yukon know that our rates of sexual violence are up to three times higher than elsewhere in Canada. That’s why we chose to dedicate our latest BYTE ConneX event to Sexual Assault Prevention month, which happens each year in May.
BYTE Whitehorse Outreach Coordinator Allison Furniss opening the event
In partnership with the Victoria Faulkner Women’s Centre and Les EssentiElles, two Whitehorse-based women’s organizations, BYTE addressed the issue of sexual assault prevention at our speaker series event on Thursday May 15. Two youth speakers, Josh Reigner and Samantha Dawson, stood up and spoke out about their experiences battling sexism.
Josh Reigner is president of the board of the White Ribbon campaign, an effort to engage men and boys to end violence against women. Josh described his role in the White Ribbon campaign, his “coming out†as a feminist, and the important role men play in ending violence against women.
“It’s a men’s issue too,†said Reigner. “A lot of men, when they hear about violence against women, they just click off.â€
Josh explained how men’s role in ending violence against women begins with ending the silence. A lot of men and boys respond very well to conversation about masculinity and other gender issues, according to Josh.
“They crave it,†he said.
Josh Reigner from the White Ribbon Campaign speaking on how men can prevent violence against women
Samantha Dawson added to the conversation by describing her experience working as a journalist at Ryerson University and in Inuit communities. She’s a Selkirk First Nation citizen who grew up in Mayo, and she’s passionate about aboriginal women’s issues.
Samantha Dawson tells stories of journalism and aboriginal women in the media
Samantha described her experiences working for 25-year-old feminist magazine that wouldn’t publish her stories about missing and murdered aboriginal women. She traced violence against women, particularly aboriginal women, back to stigmas and stereotypes perpetuated by media.
The conversation opened up to the floor, and the audience participated with a diverse array of opinions on a variety of topics. Larisse McDonald, program coordinator for the Victoria Faulkner Women’s Centre, led a discussion on the term “rape culture.â€
We’re excited that we were able to partner with the Victoria Faulkner Women’s Centre and Les EssentiElles to put on a great event. Thanks to our speakers, our partners, and to everyone who came out!
Stay tuned for details about our next BYTE ConneX event!
