16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence
Dear colleagues and friends,
As we approach the annual 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, we want to take a moment to highlight the importance of this global campaign, which runs from November 25 (International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women) to December 10, 2024 (Human Rights Day). This campaign started in 1991 to call out and speak up against gender-based violence and to renew our commitment to end violence against women, girls, and 2SLGBTQI+ individuals. It’s an opportunity for all of us to take action and show support for victims and survivors.
Did you know?
In Canada, more than 11 million people aged 15 and over have experienced some form of intimate partner violence in their lifetime. This includes 6.2 million women and 4.9 million men. Discover more facts about intimate partner violence .
The 2024 Government of Canada’s theme, Come Together, Act Now, calls on everyone to help change the social norms, attitudes, and behaviours that contribute to gender-based violence. It is also a call to action urging all of us to recognize the signs of gender-based violence and to reach out for support for ourselves or loved ones.
What you can do:
- Wear purple on November 25 to mark the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and raise awareness about gender-based violence.
- Learn more about gender-based violence.
- Join the conversation on social media by using the hashtag #16Days.
- Use the 16 Days of Activism virtual background during meetings to show your support.
- Attend events or consider donating to local shelters or organizations that support survivors of gender-based violence.
On December 6, the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women, we remember the women lost in the Polytechnique Montréal tragedy. Wearing a white ribbon on this day helps honour their memory and show solidarity with victims.
Ways to become an ally:
- Listen and learn from the experiences of others.
- Believe victims and survivors and support them by saying, “I believe you,” and “This is not your fault.”
- Educate yourself and others about gender-based violence. Know what your Workplace Harassment and Violence Prevention Policy says about it. You can also take a course, read resources, or participate in an event.
- Speak out against violence and intervene when you see it happening, in safe and supportive ways.
- Act by volunteering your time or donating to organizations working to end gender-based violence.
If you or someone you know needs support, we encourage you to take advantage of the resources available through ECCC's Mental Health and Wellness Centre, and you can always reach out to local emergency services or support hotlines.
Please note that collective agreements contain paid leave provisions to support employees who are experiencing domestic violence themselves and/or who are the parent of a dependent child who is subject to domestic violence. We encourage you to discuss these provisions with your manager or union representative.
You may also want to consult the list of additional support services for people affected by gender-based violence. Finally, do not hesitate to reach out to the Employee Assistance Program to get psychological support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Together, we can make a difference in ending gender-based violence.
Stay safe, stay well!
Respectfully,
Waheed Khan
President, National Consultation Team