Canada's Students "Step It Up", Release National Vision for Consent Culture Ahead of UN International Women's Day

OTTAWA, March 7, 2016 /CNW/ - The Canadian Federation of Students released a National Vision for Consent Culture in Post-Secondary Education today ahead of International Women's Day on March 8, which is themed "Step It Up for Gender Equality".

"This national student vision is the next step in building a culture of consent on our campuses and within our communities where the fact that consent is mandatory is normalized, respected and valued," said Bilan Arte, Chairperson of the Canadian Federation of Students.

In March 2015, the Federation hosted the national Consent Culture Forum to develop a strategy to combat sexual and gender-based violence and rape culture on campus. One year later, students are releasing a collective vision that includes recommendations for proactive consent education, developing institutional sexual assault policies and establishing campus support services.

"International Women's Day is not just a celebration of women's achievement, but a call to action," said Arte. "Our work is far from over."

Sexual assault is the only crime in Canada that has not declined in the past 10 years and only 5% of cases are ever reported. Women represent the overwhelming majority of survivors of sexual assault and Indigenous women, women of colour, trans women and women with disabilities are disproportionately targeted.

Read A National Vision for Consent Culture in Post-Secondary Education at cfs-fcee.ca/IWD2016

The Canadian Federation of Students is the oldest and largest national student organization in Canada, representing over 650,000 college, undergraduate and graduate students across the country.

SOURCE Canadian Federation of Students

For more information: Sarah McCue, Communications Coordinator, 613-797-6626 or [email protected]