Statement by Minister Monsef on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women and the start of the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence

OTTAWA, Nov. 25, 2018 /CNW/ - The Honourable Maryam Monsef, Minister of Status of Women, today issued the following statement:

"Today is the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, which also marks the beginning of the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence.

Canadians have heard the courageous voices of survivors, advocates, and activists, and this has led to a renewed commitment to end gender-based violence—a critical part of ultimately achieving gender equality. The strength and resilience of survivors, and those who support them, has increased awareness of the harmful attitudes and behaviours that lead to gender-based violence.

These 16 days are an important time for all Canadians to reflect on the persistence of gender-based violence in our communities, and to think about how we can all work together to end this kind of violence wherever it takes place.

I invite you to join the conversation and show your support. The #MYActionsMatter campaign builds on last year's successful campaign, which saw over 40,000 people take the pledge. It encourages everyone to take concrete steps to question, call out, and speak up against acts of gender-based violence.

From now until December 10, use the hashtag, #MYActionsMatter to share your messages of support and solidarity to end violence against women and girls, LGBTQ2 and gender diverse people. You can start by taking the pledge to end gender-based violence and asking your friends and family to do the same on social media.

Our government is taking immediate action to eliminate this form of violence. Through It's Time: Canada's Strategy to Prevent and Address Gender-Based Violence, we are determined to prevent these tragedies from happening."

SOURCE Status of Women Canada

Braeson Holland, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of Status of Women, 343-549-8825