Day 10:
On the tenth day of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, we are highlighting strong statements of support and allyship from positions of leadership within our organization. Today, we have statements from our OPG Local.
“As a person who is legally blind, I have an understanding of the difficulties women, visible minorities, LGBTQ2S and indigenous people face in getting jobs and acceptance in the workplace. I have supported the White Ribbon campaign from when it first started at OPG in 1990 and believe it is important to speak out against gender based violence and all violence. A safe workplace is something everyone should expect and have. I work hard every day to make the workplace better for all with my company. I have two young daughters and I worry more about them than for my son. I worry since the world we live in isn’t safe or fair and I want them to be happy, safe and enjoy their lives. That is why I do what I can to make the workplace and the world a little bit better.”
Joe Fierro, OPG Local Vice-President
“I strongly support ending gender-based violence against women and girls. We must all do our part in ending any forms of violence including psychological harm that is inflicted on women and girls at home and in there communities. I believe that this starts with ensuring that girls around the world are provided with a good education. This is something that can never be taken away from them. I will do my part by speaking with my sons about the importance of this cause. I will support STEM education for girls to help empower them for the jobs of the future.”
Leon Simeon, OPG Local Unit Director
“As a father of two daughters I am committed to being an ally in eliminating gender-based violence. As a parent and role-model it is my responsibility to provide a safe and inclusive home where they are comfortable to be who they want. This means being a listener when they have something they want to say, and to show them that what they say has value and is important. It means, being there to support them when they have challenges and to teach them the skills and to develop\manage the emotions they need to overcome those challenges and build confidence. It means being a voice for them when they are not being heard, and demonstrating to them that when someone needs help or support that they can and should stand and show support when it is the right thing to do. A safe violence free home is the foundation where they can grow, be safe to express their concerns and emotions, and most importantly be free to be a child exploring the world in front of them.
I am also committed to being positive influence and active participant in raising my daughters by supporting them in the education and activities of their choice, dance (too many different classes to track), alpine ski racing, soccer, track and field, and homework—lots and lots of homework. I am hopeful the participation in both team and individual sports will help them both build the drive and development of personal growth, teamwork, sportsmanship, and overall confidence, with an attitude that they can do anything they put their minds to. In winning and losing there are good opportunities for learning and growing the emotions dealing with success and managing failures, and that winning all the time is not everything, that competing in sports and life over all takes a number of different skills and emotions to navigate with confidence.”
Jeff Wilson, OPG Local Unit Director
