ETFO endorses #METOO

#MeToo: In 2006, Tarana Burke, a Black American civil rights activist started the #MeToo movement that reignited a worldwide movement in 2016. She is the first to use the phrase "Me Too," in 2006, raising awareness to the ongoing societal issues of sexual harassment and abuse. As a teenager, she became involved in working to improve the lives of young girls living in marginalized communities. Burke continues to focus her social activism and advocacy on helping young women who are marginalized and survivors of abuse. #METOO has developed into a global movement, giving voice to women speaking out against gender-based violence and sexual harassment.

The Elementary Teachers' Federation of Ontario is committed to addressing issues of sexual harassment and gender-based violence in our schools, communities and workplaces. As educators, we recognize that the path towards social change includes supporting our members' understanding and bringing to light these issues.

This page provides key resources that ETFO offers in addressing issues of sexual harassment and gender-based violence. Highlighted are also community and government organizations that are focused on addressing these issues.

ETFO’s Constitution clearly states its commitment to social justice and equity. ETFO articulates this commitment in a number of statements that include the recognition that discrimination at an individual and institutional level exists in our society and that discrimination is experienced differently by different groups, one of which is women, requiring support designed to meet its particular needs. ETFO is acting from an understanding of itself as an agent for social change.

As stated in its Human Rights Statement, the Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario is committed to providing an environment for members that is free from harassment and discrimination at all provincial and local Federation sponsored activities. Harassment and discrimination on the basis of a prohibited ground are violations of the Ontario Human Rights Code and are illegal.

ETFO defines harassment based on the following categories:

Sexual Harassment
Racial and Ethnocultural Harassment
Sexual Orientation Harassment
Other Forms of Harassment

ETFO provides a structured and delineated process if you wish to file a complaint.

PRS Matters Bulletins are written by the Professional Relations Services staff and are designed to keep members informed on a variety of important legal and professional issues affecting education workers. The following PRS Matters Bulletins pertain to issues specifically related to gender-based violence and sexual harassment:

ETFO offers its members focused training workshops, conferences, curricular units and programs addressing the topic of violence against women and related gender-based issues.

Healthy Masculinities: Healthy Masculinities Incentive Funding details are available to ETFO Presidents at members.etfo.ca under President's resources.
March 8 – International Women's Day: ETFO features resources, activities and information to highlight women's history, celebrate women's accomplishment and bring to the surface current issues specific to women. The link provides key resources and direction to support the discussion on gender-based violence and sexual harassment.
ETFO LGBTQ Rights In Your Workplace Pamphlet: ETFO strives to make schools and workplaces safe for Two-spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or questioning (2SLGBTQ+) Federation members. Please note that ETFO members must be register at members.etfo.ca to access this document.
LGBTQ Education Timeline : Both the poster and the booklet cover a number of different types of Homophobic harassment and issues.
Social Justice Begins With Me: This curriculum resource has picture books and lessons on gender, harassment and discrimination related to Gender. See the book lists on Gender and LGBTQ. Please note that ETFO members must be register at members.etfo.ca to access these documents.
Women's Equality Project: The Women’s Equality Project - Digital Kit, includes a teacher resource guide and seven modules on a USB which enables students to explore economics and the workplace, education, gender-based violence, health, politics and the law, pop culture and the arts and social movements.The resource can be purchased from shopETFO.

@OntHumanRights
@UN_Women
#GenderEquality

Government of Ontario: provides facts, statistics and resources to address sexual violence.
Ontario Human Rights Commission (OHRC): offers a definition and information of sexual harassment in the workplace.
Ontario Human Rights Commission (OHRC) web page that provides guidelines on what to do if you are getting sexually harassed.
Ontario Ministry of Labour: offers various e-resources to address workplace violence and harassment.
Ontario Ministry of the Status of Women: The Ontario government has compiled supports for women on its page Women's social and economic opportunity. Support addresses women's economic empowerment adn security ending gender-based violence, supports for Indigenous women and additional community resources.
Women and Gender Equality Canada: Committed to advancing equality with respect to sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression through the inclusion of people of all genders, including women in Canada's economic, social, and political life.
Workers' Health and Safety Centre - Workplace Violence Resources
White Ribbon is an organization that focuses on men and boys and their responsibilities in addressing/challenging gender-based violence and woman abuse. They offer resources, programs, support groups and information to address issues that pertain to masculinity, male aggression against women.
National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG). This website provides resources, fact sheets and information, as well as community links and organizations to learn about and move towards a call to action against this national issue.
Canadian Council for Refugees. A newcomer woman abused by her spouse or partner may suffer forms of abuse unique to the newcomer experience. This web page brings to light some of these issues and provides practical resources and information for education and advocacy.

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ETFO endorses #METOO

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