From Nov. 25 to Dec. 10, York University will participate in the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-based Violence, an international campaign that begins on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and concludes on Human Rights Day.
This global movement calls for collective action to eliminate gender-based violence and support survivors, recognizing the disproportionate impact on marginalized communities including racialized women and girls, those living with disabilities, immigrants and refugees, and members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.
In Canada, this 16-day period also includes the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women on Dec. 6, honouring the 14 women killed at École Polytechnique in 1989.
This year, York’s participation will focus on ending digital violence. The Centre for Sexual Violence Response, Support & Education, in collaboration with University partners, invites York community members to take action and attend five upcoming events.
Initiatives to raise awareness begin Nov. 27 with the York Lions women’s hockey team hosting the End Violence Against Women & Girls game in partnership with the North York Women’s Shelter.
York community members are also invited to join a live, online workshop on protection against digital harassment and a virtual talk exploring how technology-facilitated sexual violence shows up in online spaces.
To learn more about these events and to register visit the Centre's website. York community members are also invited to:
- wear purple on Nov. 25 to raise awareness about gender-based violence;
- pick up white and purple ribbons at the Centre to wear and mark the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women; and
- engage in conversations and events that challenge harmful attitudes and support survivors.
The Centre for Sexual Violence Response, Support & Education provides confidential support to any York community member impacted by sexual violence, through a trauma-informed lens that allows survivors to make decisions that feel right to them. The Centre works to foster a culture where survivors feel supported and community members are educated on preventing violence.
“Digital spaces should be safe spaces,” says Marian MacGregor, executive director of the Centre for Human Rights, Equity & Inclusion which includes the Centre. “This campaign reminds us that ending gender-based violence requires all of us, on and offline, to collectively challenge harmful attitudes, support survivors and create safer spaces for everyone.”