Come Together, Act Now!

16 Days of Activism: Taking a Stand Against Gender-Based Violence in Canada and Beyond

The annual 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaign, running from November 25 (International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women) to December 10 (Human Rights Day), is an important Canadian and Global movement for change. This year, the campaign carries renewed urgency as gender-based violence (GBV) resurges in Canada and around the world.

A Crisis Amplified by Ongoing Challenges

In Canada, GBV has been exacerbated by intersecting crises, including the lingering impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, right-wing politicism, economic instability, and systemic inequities. Shelters report rising demands for services, while Statistics Canada confirms that intimate partner violence and femicide rates remain alarmingly high. Tragically, Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQ+ individuals continue to bear a disproportionate burden of this violence, often rooted in colonialism and systemic racism.

This resurgence reminds us that ending GBV requires continuous, collective action. The 16 Days of Activism provides an essential framework for amplifying voices, advocating for survivors, and committing to creating a safer, more equitable world.

Look for the Interactive Dress Sculptures in our libraries again this year, and please contribute!

Several other critical Canadian and International observances held during the 16 Days of Activism remind us of the multifaceted nature of Gender Based Violence (GBV) and the importance of addressing it from diverse angles:

• November 25: International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women
  This day launches the 16 Days campaign, drawing attention to pervasive violence against women globally. It’s an opportunity to confront the systemic barriers that perpetuate violence, from inequitable laws to cultural norms.
• December 1: World AIDS Day
  Violence and HIV are interconnected, with survivors of GBV, especially women, at greater risk of contracting HIV due to coercion, stigma, and lack of access to healthcare. This day highlights the importance of integrating GBV prevention into public health strategies.
• December 3: International Day of Persons with Disabilities
  Women and girls with disabilities experience GBV at rates three times higher than their non-disabled peers. This observance calls for inclusive policies and services that prioritize their safety and empowerment.
• December 6: National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women (Canada)
  On this solemn day, Canadians reflect on the lives of the 14 women killed during the 1989 Montréal Massacre at École Polytechnique. It’s a day to mourn but also to renew commitments to eradicating violence in all its forms. On December 6, wear a white ribbon in remembrance of:
  • Geneviève Bergeron
  • Hélène Colgan
  • Nathalie Croteau
  • Barbara Daigneault
  • Anne-Marie Edward
  • Maud Haviernick
  • Maryse Laganière
  • Maryse Leclair
  • Anne-Marie Lemay
  • Sonia Pelletier
  • Michèle Richard
  • Annie St-Arneault
  • Annie Turcotte
  • Barbara Klucznik-Widajewicz
• December 10: Human Rights Day
  Ending GBV is fundamental to ensuring human rights for all. This final day underscores the need to enshrine gender equality and dignity in every aspect of society.

Come Together, Act Now!

Combatting gender-based violence requires more than awareness—it demands sustained effort. Here are some ways to engage during the 16 Days and beyond:

1. Support Local Shelters and Advocacy Organizations: Donate or volunteer to help organizations providing critical services to survivors.
2. Educate Yourself and Others: Share resources, attend webinars, and promote conversations about GBV’s root causes and solutions.
3. Advocate for Policy Change: Push for stronger laws and funding for prevention programs, especially those addressing the needs of marginalized communities.
4. 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’’
5. Speak Up: Challenge harmful behaviors and norms in your community, workplace, and personal relationships.

The resurgence of gender-based violence in Canada is a stark reminder that progress is neither linear nor guaranteed. By uniting during the 16 Days of Activism, we reaffirm our commitment to ending GBV and creating a world where everyone can live free from fear and violence. Let us honor this commitment—not just for 16 days, but every day.

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Together, we can break the cycle of violence.

If you are in an emergency situation, please call 911 (in Canada), for emergency services in your area. If you are outside of the 911 service area, please access available emergency services or get help now.

You may also want to consult this list of additional support services for people affected by gender-based violence.

Read our past 16 Days of Activism Blog Posts, It’s Not Just and Working Together to End the Violence, to learn even more!