The 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence is recognized every year from November 25 to December 10.
- November 25 is the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, designated in 1999 by the United Nations General Assembly to urge global recognition of gender-based violence.
- November 25 is also the world’s largest movement of men and boys working to end male violence against women and girls with the White Ribbon Campaign. The wearing of the white ribbon stands for never taking part in, condoning, or staying silent about violence against women.
- December 6 is the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women. The Parliament of Canada established this day of mourning and remembrance to mark the anniversary of the murders of 14 female engineering students at l'École Polytechnique de Montréal in 1989 in an act of violent misogyny.
- December 10 is Human Rights Day and honours the date the United Nations General Assembly’s adopted and proclaimed the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, setting out fundamental human rights to be universally protected.
Even though the 16 Days are over, there are actions we can take throughout the entire year to help end gender-based violence. Women and Gender Equality Canada have outlined 16 ways to end gender-based violence. You can read more about these actions https://women-gender-equality.canada.ca/en/commemorations-celebrations/16-days/16-ways-help-end-gender-based-violence.html
- Acknowledge the problem
- Know the risks
- Stop victims shaming/blaming
- Be alert to non-physical violence
- Avoid gender stereotypes
- Challenge social norms
- Remove negative stigma
- Educate youth
- Know what to do if someone asks for help
- Engage men and boys
- Recognize triggers
- Take action
- Promote gender diversity in workplaces
- Highlight positive role models
- Support shelters
- Put safety first
Together, we can help end gender-based violence.
