November 24, 2017
Manitobans Encouraged to Take Part in 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-based Violence
– – –Nov. 25 to Dec. 10 Campaign Urges Manitobans to #SeekHelp and #SpeakOut
Sustainable Development Minister Rochelle Squires, minister responsible for status of women, is urging Manitobans to seek help and speak out as part of 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence. The international campaign runs Nov. 25 to Dec. 10 and aims to motivate people from all walks of life to take action to end violence against women and girls.
“Gender-based violence is a problem that thrives in secret,” said Squires. “To put a stop to it once and for all, we need to bring it out into the open and commit to saying ‘enough is enough.’ That commitment starts in our own homes and communities. Let’s work together to ensure that one day there’s an entire generation of women and girls who have never been at risk of experiencing gender-based violence.”
The 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence campaign runs from the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women on Nov. 25 to Human Rights Day on Dec. 10. The campaign originated from the first Women’s Global Leadership Institute co-ordinated by the Center for Women's Global Leadership in 1991.
This year, the Manitoba Women’s Advisory Council selected the theme of #SeekHelp #SpeakOut for its social media campaign to support the 16 Days campaign and share information. Manitobans can join the conversation using the following hashtags:
- #SeekHelp, which encourages all Manitobans to get informed and connect to resources, such as www.gov.mb.ca/stoptheviolence/index.html or the provincial resource line at 1-877-977-0007; and
- #SpeakOut, a call to action for Manitobans, including men and boys, to speak out if they witness gender-based violence.
As part of 16 Days, Manitoba Status of Women Secretariat and the Manitoba Women’s Advisory Council will hold a sunrise memorial to commemorate Canada’s National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence against Women. Manitobans are invited to participate at 8 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 6 in the Manitoba Legislative Building rotunda.
The ceremony will honour 14 Montreal women killed at École Polytechnique in 1989, as well as recognize Manitoba women who died over the past year as a result of violence. Organizers will collect donations and new unwrapped toys and gifts for Ka Ni Kanichihk Inc.’s Heart Medicine Lodge program.
More information about the event is available at www.gov.mb.ca/msw.
- 30 -