What are the 16 Days of Activism?
The 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-based Violence is an annual international campaign that begins on November 25, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, and goes until December 10, Human Rights Day. This campaign started in 1991 to call out and speak up on gender-based violence and to renew our commitment to ending violence against women, girls, and 2SLGBTQI+ individuals.
What is Gender-Based Violence?
Everyone has the right to live free from violence. However, many Canadians across the country continue to face violence every day because of their gender, gender expression, gender identity or perceived gender. This is referred to as gender-based violence (GBV) and violates human rights.
If you look closely, you will see the roots of GBV all around you, in media messages that objectify women, in the jokes that demean LGBTQ2 (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Two-Spirit) people and in the rigid gender norms imposed on young children.
Who is affected by gender-based violence?
While violence affects all people, some people are more at risk of experiencing violence because of various forms of oppression, such as racism, colonialism, sexism, homophobia, transphobia and ableism. Certain populations, based on key statistics, are more likely to experience GBV, including:
- women; young women, and girls;
- Indigenous women, girls and Two-Spirit
- Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual (LGB) and people of other sexual orientations than heterosexual;
- Transgender and gender-diverse people;
- women living in Northern, rural, and remote communities; and,
- women living with disabilities.
For more information visit https://women-gender-equality.canada.ca/
Ways you can get involved:
- Wear Purple on Friday, November 25, to show support and raise awareness about gender-based violence; take a photo and share it on social media. Remember to use #16Days and tag us so we can share your post @ConsentBelongsHere on Instagram
- Participate in the 16 Days of Activism: Empowerment Tour on Tuesday, November 26, 2024, from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM. This is a valuable opportunity to learn about trauma-informed and survivor-centered services available in our community. You'll have the chance to visit local organizations, explore their facilities, and gain insights into the resources they offer.
- Honour victims and survivors of gender-based violence on December 6th, The National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women, informally known as White Ribbon Day, is commemorated in Canada on December 6. This date marks the anniversary of the 1989 École Polytechnique massacre, during which fourteen women were murdered, and ten others were injured in an act motivated by a hatred of feminism.
- How to participate:
- Wear a white ribbon and light luminaries in memory of victims of gender-based violence (available at our tables on December 3rd, 4th and 6th in the NU Hallway)
- Contribute to our visual display of solidarity and support.
Campaign Events
2024
- Friday22Nov12:30 pm - 3:00 pmRead More
Are you passionate about addressing sexual violence on campus? Interested in learning about restorative justice practices? Join our Restorative Justice Conversation Circles! - Tuesday26Nov9:00 am - 12:00 pmRead More
Hop on our bus and visit local organizations offering trauma-informed and survivor-centred services in the community. You'll get a tour of the spaces, learn about their services, and receive valuable resources.