OTTAWA - Monday is the international day for the elimination of violence against women, and with it comes the start of the annual "16 Days of Action" campaign to draw attention to the issue.
Maryam Monsef, the federal minister for women and gender equality, says the campaign's theme — "Our actions matter" — reflects that no person can end gender-based violence alone.
She says the campaign is a time to reflect on and renew the commitment to ending violence against women, girls and people of all gender identities and expressions across Canada and around the world.
#DYK: The #16Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence began as an int'l campaign in ’91, as an effort by the Women’s Global Leadership Institute to highlight the ⬆️ violence against 🚺 globally. Since then, it has continued annually in 🇨🇦. #GBV #OurActionsMatter pic.twitter.com/A99m86Xeec
— Women and Gender Equality Canada (@Women_Canada) November 25, 2019
The Liberal government has committed upwards of $200 million to a strategy to address the issue, and in the recent election campaign promised $30 million more to develop a national action plan.
The 16 Days initiative encompasses a sombre anniversary in Canada this year.
On Dec. 6, it will be 30 years since a gunman claiming to be fighting feminism murdered 14 women at the Ecole Polytechnique in Montreal.
It's International Day to End Violence against Women.
— UN Women (@UN_Women) November 25, 2019
Whoever needs to hear this today:
We hear you. We see you. We believe you.
You’re safe here. 🧡#orangetheworld #GenerationEquality pic.twitter.com/1taGNj0wpl
