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Men honoured for making a difference for women by Nathan Howes Special to the Beaver 11 | Wednesday, April 2, 2014 | OAKVILLE BEAVER | www.insideHALTON.com Twenty Halton men who have stepped forward to stand against inequality and violence for women, were recognized Wednesday for making a difference. The Women's Centre honoured the men for being caring and compassionate role models in the community, at its inaugural Men Who Make a Difference Gala. While 20 nominees were applauded for their efforts, six received awards -- Dan Blackburn, Ron Couchman, Angus CollSmith, Oakville MPP and Minister of Labour Kevin Flynn, Scott Graham and Judah Hernandez. The ceremony, which took place at the Oakville Conference and Banquet Centre, was preceded by a keynote address from Dr. Michael Kaufman -- international activist and co-founder of the White Ribbon Campaign. The campaign, begun in 1991, is the world's largest movement of men and boys working to end violence against women and girls through promotion of gender equity, healthy relationships and a new vision of masculinity. "It's fantastic these men have been nominated in recognition of their contribution to the community. They are men who are making a difference in promoting equality between women and men and ending men's violence against women," said Kaufman. Making a difference first requires equal opportunities for men and women in work, education and sports, among others, Kaufman said. "If we're going to fight for basic human rights, one of those is equality. There is no but when it comes to equality," said Kaufman. The reason more men are taking a stand, Kaufman said, is because of the "inspiration "We have to think about what we say to our children in terms of the values we teach them. If you're in a household with a mother and father, we have to model equality and share all the jobs," said Kaufman. "We can't say that some jobs are not a man's job or a woman's job." A key to raising children without violence is to avoid using "corporal punishment," the activist said, explaining it's ineffective and teaches it's OK to hurt someone you love. "We've got to examine how we raise our children and get rid of things," said Kaufman, noting that means not allowing and speaking up against inappropriate jokes, attitudes and behaviour. "Change the subject or if you feel you're able to, just say, `That doesn't go here. I don't find that funny.'" As much as "we've come a long way" in ending inequality and violence against women, he said, "we still have a long ways The Women's Centre's inaugural Men Who Make a Difference Award Gala recognized Halton men in the commuto go." nity who are making an impact. Melvina Walter, centre, Women's Centre executive director, the evening's keynote Since its inception, the White Ribbon speaker Dr. Michael Kaufman (third from right), and the award winners, from left, Scott Graham, Angus Coll-Smith, Campaign has spread to 80 countries. Judah Hernandez, Dan Blackburn, Minister of Labour and Oakville MPP Kevin Flynn and Ron Couchman. Kaufman credits the spread in awareness | photo by Inger MacKenzie - special to the Beaver to Canadians and women's organizations "inspiring people globally to take up the issue." of women around us, but also because of the out," said Kaufman. "White Ribbon is making a contribuchallenge." But now more men are stepping forward to tion, but the real accolades have to go to the "It's critical that women's voices have chal- speak out against abuse, he said, noting the women' s organizations. The Women's Centre lenged men's power. Inequality is still with efforts of the local 20 nominees as examples. should have the appreciation of everyone in us. If there aren't strong voices challenging "It used to be that most men who might be the inequality, change will never happen," appalled by violence against women just felt this community," said Kaufman. "Men can said Kaufman. "But finally, men are saying, it was a private matter, maybe it wasn't any of play a really important role in ending the `We are going to be at your side. You should their business or what would the other guys violence and bringing a much healthier, hapnot be doing this work alone.'" say if I say anything about that joke or com- pier, safer community for everyone." Other nominees included Halton Regional The White Ribbon Campaign co-founder ment?" he said. Police Const. Leslie Baylis, Todd and Trent said violence towards women escalated in Over the last 20 years, an increase in awareCourage, Murray Etherington, David Foster, the past because of the lack of men speaking ness and action to end women's violence has Chris Giles, David Haslett, John Howlett, out against it. led to more men supporting gender equality, Brad Kerr, Tom Ormerod, Don Pangman, "If we men remain silent, it really gives tac- Kaufman said. it permission. It's really important that good There are several things people can do to Oakville Chamber of Commerce President men speak out. If we see our friends talking stop the negative attitudes towards and treat- John Sawyer, Ron Shantz and Peter Wilson. For more information, visit www. in abusive ways towards women, acting in ment of women, he said, adding it starts with haltonwomenscentre.org. abusive ways, it's really important we speak how children are raised. 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