THUNDER BAY — Ethan Sokolowski's upbringing has left him well aware of the necessity of treating females with respect.
It's no surprise, then, that he was happy to participate in Friday's daylong workshop that addressed the many forms of violence against women and how to prevent it.
"I think it's very important that everyone, but especially all young boys from an early age, are educated about these things. That way we know what is acceptable and what is an unacceptable way to treat people. And we know about consent so we don't cross anyone's boundaries," Sokolowski said.
The youth is in Grade 8 at Valley Central Public School.
He was among almost 50 Grade 7-10 students from across Thunder Bay who took a day off class to participate in the Engaging Male Students to Reduce and Prevent Gender-Based Violence workshop at the Victoria Park Training Centre.
The event was held in conjunction with the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women.
Friday was also the 30th anniversary of the Montreal Massacre, in which 14 women were killed and 10 others, along with four men, were injured by a gunman.
Presenters from various organizations in the city spoke to the youths on topics such as respect, popular culture influences, healthy relationships and consent.
The event is aimed at helping boys become leaders in their schools in changing harmful concepts of masculinity.
"We are very proud of the boys in attendance and their commitment to take a stand against gender-based violence," said Jeff Upton, Lakehead Public Schools Education Officer and workshop organizer.
Sokolowski said treating other people kindly has always been a big part of who he is.
He believes the popularity of social media among youth has been both beneficial and harmful in terms of how females are treated.
"Because if someone says something negative about women, for example online, that can gather a lot of traction. But there's a lot of new ways to spread awareness about this stuff, so in some ways it's bad and in some ways it's good."
The City of Thunder Bay lowered its flags to half-mast for the day to honour the women who died in Montreal on Dec. 6, 1989.
Thunder Bay Mayor Bill Mauro said "Our role as men and as boys needs to be about changing the dialogue in society about our sisters, mothers, aunts and friends towards greater respect, equality, and ultimately, safety."
