Violence against women has historically been—and continues to be—a large human rights issue around the world. In response, the United Nations has declared November 25th to be marked annually as the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against women – a day to focus on ending this violence against women and girls by calling on global citizens to take progressive actions at local, national, and international levels.
Orange is the official colour of this monumental day, marking it as a representation for a brighter future which is free from gender-based violence. The 2018 theme for this day is Orange the World: #HearMeToo. Building on the momentum of the #MeToo and #TimesUp movement, this theme aims to showcase the voices of women globally who are taking action everyday to advance women’s rights.
The International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women isn’t the only day to get involved in this movement! November 25th marks the commencement of the 16 Days Campaign, which concludes in the celebration of Human Rights Day on December 10th. There are many ways to get involved in Winnipeg. Make sure you check out our events calendar – organizations such as Manitoba’s Women Advisory Council and the Institute for International Women’s Rights-Manitoba also highlight events you can attend in the 16 days around the city!
Here are a few events taking place around Winnipeg in the coming weeks:
Youth Circle: Violence Against Women (November 25th) 11:00am to 1:00pm, 129 Dagmar Street
To kick off the 16 days of actions against the violence of women and girls; Senator Marilou McPhedran will be hosting her annual Youth Circle on November 25th from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm. This is an opportunity to share your thoughts on what is happening in Parliament and questions, comments and/or concerns that you want to raise, regarding gender-based violence or other topics.
OrangeWPG- 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence (November 25th) 4:00-6:00 pm, 55 Waterfront Drive (Scotiabank Stage)
Photo Credit: Brian Bowman
Institute for International Women’s Rights-Manitoba are inviting Winnipeggers to join them on November 25th in front of the WINNIPEG sign at the Forks- which will be lit up Orange to honour the beginning of the 16 Days campaign. Papers and pens will be available for anyone who wants to write a sign expressing their thoughts about this one day, and hot chocolate will also be provided!
Book Launch “Not a New Problem- Violence in the Lives of Disabled Women” (November 26th) 7:00-9:00 pm, 1120 Grant Avenue (McNally Robinson Bookstore)
Photo Credit: Fernwood Publishing
On November 26, Michelle Owen, Diane Hiebert Murphy and Janice Ristock will be launching their collection “Not a New Problem – Violence in the Lives of Disabled Women,” Contributors to the book will assess the experiences of Canadian women with disabilities and the violence that is displayed upon them.
If you are interested in learning more outside of the 16 days campaign, there will be books to purchase at this event!
16 days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence- Student Research Poster Presentation (December 5th) 2:00-4:00 Room 126, William Norrie Centre, 485 Selkirk Avenue
There will be a research Poster Presentation Session in recognition (and celebration) of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence Campaign. If you are interested in participating or want more information, please contact: Dr. Kendra Nixon at Kendra.nixon@umanitoba.ca.
Join the 16 Days campaign and encourage friends and family to join you at these events or help promote the campaign by posting on social media using the hashtags #OrangetheWorld #HearMeToo, & #EndVAW!
