Award for Empowering Young Women
Four Toronto Police officers were recognized with Heroes Beyond the Badge Awards for leading a program to empower young women.
Constables Jessie Oldfield, Kathleen Petersen, Melinda Mantle and Claudia Bednarczyk were celebrated on July 16 for their leadership in organizing and expanding the Young Women Empowerment Workshop aimed at educating about human trafficking.
“The recognition highlights the incredible work our officers are doing beyond their regular duties,” said Chief Myron Demkiw. “The success of the Young Women Empowerment Workshop is the result of strong partnerships and a genuine commitment to community.”
Six years ago, Consatbles Mantle and Petersen alongside community partners, sought to address human trafficking happening in their neighbourhood by speaking directly to young women about how to recognize trafficking and protect themselves.
These pioneering and inspiring officers created the Women’s Empowerment Initiative to promote women’s self-worth, their ability to determine their own choices and their right to influence social change for themselves and others.
“We wanted to educate these young women about human trafficking, and to concretely demonstrate to the youth in the community the great support that they have,” said Mantle, noting that community members told them that young women were being groomed as sex workers.
The officers have employed a comprehensive partnership approach, teaming up with a variety of community social service agencies and partners to deliver online and in-person sessions with at-risk youth, young leaders in the community, as well as parents/guardians, community workers and educators.
“We put a lot of heart and soul into the work,” said Oldfied. “It is nice to know that people are watching what we are doing and are willing to step up and recognize us.”
OACP collaborated with General Motors three years ago to launch the Heroes Beyond the Badge Award.
“The work that they did through the workshop has created a safe and inspiring space for young women to learn, grow, feel safe and supportive,” said OACP Executive Director Paul Pedersen. “What began as a response to serious concerns about human trafficking in the Malvern community has grown into a powerful multi-aid program. This kind of work is not just community policing. It is truly community building and fosters trust, safety and hope. At the OACP, we truly value the work that police officers at every level do...You truly are heroes beyond the badge.”
There were 109 youth participants in this year’s workshop that was expanded to three days.
“We are incredibly proud to recognize the four of you for the work you are doing around leadership by empowering young ladies in the community,” added General Motors Public Safety Engagement Lead Charlene Poranganel. “This is truly what Heroes Beyond the Badge is about.”
