The 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Violence come to a close while work to end violence continues
OTTAWA, Dec 10, 2015 /CNW/ - Today is International Human Rights Day, which marks the end of the 16 Days of Activism against Gender Violence.
Over the past 16 days, men, women, boys and girls from across the country have shown their commitment to ending violence against women and girls through a variety of actions, both big and small. While the campaign has come to a close, the work to address and prevent gender-based violence continues across the country.
This week, Minister Hajdu, along with the Honourable Carolyn Bennett, Minister of Indigenous and Northern Affairs, and the Honourable Jody Wilson-Raybould, Minister of Justice, launched the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls. The inquiry will seek recommendations on concrete actions to address and prevent violence against Indigenous women and girls.
Minister Hajdu is also committed to working with experts and advocates on a comprehensive federal strategy and action plan to address gender violence. In addition, last week's Speech from the Throne announced plans to introduce legislation that will provide greater support for survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault.
Canadians are encouraged to continue taking action to end violence against women and girls by staying engaged, raising awareness, speaking out against sexism, and modelling healthy behaviour for children and teens. Canadians can continue to pledge to #EndViolence through Status of Women Canada's online campaign. They can also reach out to one of the many local organizations working across the country to end violence against women and girls.
Quick Facts
- The Government of Canada has launched a National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls. The Government of Canada will immediately begin to engage with families and loved ones of victims, National Aboriginal Organizations, and provinces and territories as part of a pre-inquiry design process which will seek their views on the design and the scope of the Inquiry.
- The 16 Days of Activism against Gender Violence began on November 25, with the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, and concluded with International Human Rights Day on December 10. The 16 Days also included Canada's National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence against Women on December 6.
- Statistics show that women and girls continue to be more vulnerable than men and boys to many forms of violence. This is particularly true for Aboriginal women who are three times more likely than non-Aboriginal women to report experiencing violence.
Quote
"The 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Violence have shown us that Canadians will not tolerate violence against women and girls in any form. The Government of Canada is showing leadership in the movement to end gender-based violence by taking action to understand and address the root causes. The National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, which was launched this week, is an important part of that commitment and a vital first step in stopping violence against women and girls, no matter who they are or where they are from."
The Honourable Patty Hajdu
Minister of Status of Women
Related Products
- Pledge to #EndViolence against Women and Girls
- Information on the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls
- Easy to share images with facts about violence against women and girls
- Information on the 16 Days of Activism against Gender Violence
- Information of the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence against Women
Additional Links
- Information about Status of Women Canada at women.gc.ca
Follow us on Twitter: @Canada_swc
SOURCE Status of Women Canada
Inquiries: Nanci-Jean Waugh, Director General, Communications and Public Affairs, Status of Women Canada, Tel: 819-420-6810
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