In Canada, December 6^th is designated as The National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women to remember the women who were murdered during the tragic mass shooting at Polytechnique Montréal on December 6, 1989.

This day of remembrance falls within The 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, an annual international campaign, that kicks off on November 25, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, and goes until December 10, the World Human Rights Day.

The 16 Days are an opportunity to come together as Canadians, and with partners around the world, to call out and speak up on gender-based violence and to renew our commitment to ending violence against women, girls, 2SLGBTQQIA+ (two-spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning, intersex, asexual, plus), and gender diverse individuals.

We all have a role to play in creating safe homes, schools, workplaces, and communities. To this end, CEU Executives participate in joint committees, such as, the Diversity Committee, Harassment Committee and Women and Gender Rights Committees, to raise awareness and address injustices. The CEU continues to donate to organizations working to end gender-based violence.

 Now, more than ever, collective action against gender-based violence is needed.

The 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaign challenges us to share all possible ways to join the conversation and be part of the solution to end gender-based violence.

Here are just some examples of the many ways to get involved between November 25 and December 10.

• Use social media and the hashtag #16Days to share the immediate actions you will take to help prevent and address gender-based violence
• Wear purple on November 25 to raise awareness about gender-based violence,
• Attend a virtual event on November 25 to commemorate the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women
• Visit the Gender-Based Violence Knowledge Centre to learn more about gender-based violence and access current statistics, reports, tools and more
• Attend a virtual vigil on December 6 to commemorate the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women
• Observe a moment of silence at 11:00 am to honour the 14 women who were murdered at Polytechnique Montréal
• Wear a white ribbon to honour the victims of the Polytechnique Montréal tragedy.
• common

Be an ally!

• Listen: be open to learning from the experiences of others
• Believe: support survivors and those affected by violence. It is very important that you say the words ‘’I believe you’’ and ‘’This is not your fault’’
• Educate (yourself and others): learn the facts about Gender-based Violence (GBV); know what your workplace policies say about violence and harassment; take a course; participate in an event
• Speak out: add your voice to call out violence
• Intervene: find a safe way to help when you see acts of gender-based violence. Name what you see. Express your concern and ask how you can help. Intervening can also mean providing support and resources
• Act: give your time or donate to organizations working to end gender-based violence

If you or someone you know is being abused, or if you are concerned about someone’s safety, call or text VictimLink BC through its toll-free 24/7 confidential, multilingual telephone service at 1 800 563-0808 or by email: ac.112cbobfsctd@CBkniLmitciV 

VictimLink BC͛s staff can provide immediate crisis support and connect you to safe housing, as well as provide information and referral services for victims of family and sexual violence.

The Ending Violence Association of BC also provides resources and links to local organizations: 

Need Help

https://women-gender-equality.canada.ca/en/commemorations-celebrations/16-days.html

https://women-gender-equality.canada.ca/en/commemorations-celebrations/16-days/national-day-remembrance.html