The 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence begin today with the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. Around the world, communities mark these 16 days by learning, speaking up, and taking concrete steps to prevent gender-based violence in all its forms.
Gender-based violence (GBV) is violence committed against someone based on their gender, gender expression, gender identity, or perceived gender. GBV can take many forms, including physical, sexual, societal, psychological, emotional, economic and technology-facilitated violence. Statistics demonstrate that GBV is a serious and ongoing issue in Canada and even in our community.
GBV continues to affect women, girls, and 2SLGBTQI+ communities at alarming rates. Every 48 hours in Canada, a woman or girl is killed in an act of gender-based violence. In 2024, 240 women and girls were murdered, primarily by men, a 54% increase over pre-COVID rates.
It is important to take action against gender-based violence.
The Circle Education offers social-emotional in- and afterschool programs that give young people the tools to communicate, show empathy, and build healthy relationships with themselves and others. By helping youth “rewind the tape” and address attitudes and behaviors early on, we work to prevent violence before it happens—creating safer, more connected communities for the future.
Key dates during the Sixteen Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence:
November 25: International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women
The International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women raises global awareness of gender-based violence and was designated in 1999 by the United Nations General Assembly. This date commemorates the lives of the Mirabal sisters from the Dominican Republic who were violently assassinated in 1960 for their courage in standing up to violence and injustice.
December 6: National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women
In Canada, this day honours the 14 women killed in the Polytechnique Montréal massacre on December 6, 1989, and calls for action against GBV. You are invited to the December 6 Memorial on Saturday, December 6th, (4.30 pm) in Centennial Park on Salt Spring Island, to join in community, renew our strength, honour the lives of women and hope for more inclusive and peaceful communities.
December 10: Human Rights Day
This day marks the anniversary of the United Nations adoption and proclamation of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights on December 10, 1948. This document affirms the rights and dignity of all people and is a milestone in the history of human rights. It has been translated in over 500 languages, holding the Guinness World Record as the most translated document.
