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Project Respect
'All he did was ask'.
Sexual violence is all too common nowadays, in all corners of the globe. It affects people of all ages, including young people. Project Respect was set up to fight against this sexual violence and to empower young people to rally against it too.
The organisation works together with young people (aged 14-19) to prevent sexual violence and to promote the concept of respect in all relationships. Project Respect also encourages young people and society as a whole to think about what feeds sexual violence – things like gender inequality, power imbalances and poor communication.
The group is based in the Coast Salish Territory, Vancouver, Canada.
Project Respect’s Philosophy is based around:
- Sex positivity. The belief that everyone has the right to experience sexuality without violence or the threat of violence.
- Youth centeredness. The belief that young people are the experts on their own experiences and that they have lots of wisdom to share with their peers. They are also the drivers of change in society.
- Feminism. The belief that sexual violence is very much influenced by the negative roles and stereotypes that society often gives women.
- Intersectionality. The belief that sexual violence is not caused by one factor, but by a variety of power imbalances such as sexism, racism, homophobia and transphobia.
Project Respect work with young people in schools, community organisations and clubs. They run workshops and activities based around the promotion of respect for all people, no matter who they are. Their work is based around a set of key messages developed in collaboration with young people.
Their website is comprehensive and contains info on everything from your sexual rights to how to get help if you have been a victim of sexual violence.
The group also produces projects on a regular basis, in collaboration with young people.
Here are some of the stories of young people:
I Am Only Myself - by Kim
By Kim, age 17
I am only myself, my own person, a completely unique individual. I am nobody’s pawn to play with as they like, nobody’s puppet to control however they choose. I am worthy of respect, love and kindness just for who I am. I do not have to give my body in order to gain any kind of approval. I am acceptable exactly as I stand here before you, differences, flaws and all. This is me, I am only myself.
I am more than me weight, more than my friends, more than my clothes, more than my body. I am more than you think or say I am. I am more than the surface you perceive. Hidden deep is a someone you can’t always see past your own judgments. I am someone too, like you, but I am only myself.
The Power Of Respect – Laura
by Laura, age 16
You try and convince me I am nothing, just a worthless 'thing' to be toyed with. You label me in order to have control over me, but your words cannot cage me. I will not be beaten down with this torment I do not deserve. I am not yours to treat as you please, your lies and rumors will not haunt me. I am strong, my power is inner and I am not as pathetic as you think.
I walk with my head high, for I am more then your labels and stereotypes. I am not afraid to stand up for myself; I have pride in who I am. I am not dirty, empty or alone. You cannot hurt me so easily. My happiness has nothing to do with your approval or acceptance of me. I am who I am and you will not change me. I am a person, worthy of love, life and respect. Your judgments mean nothing to me. I am proud and there is nothing you can say that can make me ashamed of who I am. You cannot defeat my spirit, your words can only make me stronger. My ideals, dreams and truths are mine and no one else's. I do not push my beliefs on others, but I stand up for my rights. I cannot be categorized, for I am unique. I have respect for myself and the people around me. The power you believe you have is fake; you cannot take power from me. To have power, you must first have respect.
Lost - by Ling
by Ling, age 17
Who is the girl crying in the rain?
Why is she crying?
Why is there confusion in her eyes?
Oh…I know who she is.
She is another me,
The fragile, insecure me-a follower
I’m shivering in the cruel reality
Alien voices penetrating like needles
Telling me what to do
Imply,
As long as I stay in the crowd, follow others
Everything will be fine.
Project Respect
Web: www.yesmeansyes.com
Email: info@yesmeansyes.com
Phone: 001 (250) 383-5545
Project Respect is a youth driven prevention and education program aimed at preventing sexualized violence amongst youth ages 14 - 19. It does this by looking at and challenging the root causes of sexualized violence such as gender stereotypes, power dynamics and miscommunication.
