News Releases

News Release - Manitoba

November 24, 2023

Manitoba Government Recognizes Community Work at Start of 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence Campaign

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Legislative Building to be Lit with Purple Ribbon Graphic throughout Campaign in Recognition of Workers and Survivors: Fontaine

The Manitoba government is recognizing those working in the gender-based violence sector and honouring survivors throughout the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-based Violence campaign, which runs from Nov. 25 to Dec. 6, Families Minister Nahanni Fontaine, minister responsible for gender equity, announced today.

“Gender-based violence continues to be a reality for many in our province,” said Fontaine. “We need to fully acknowledge how misogyny, patriarchy and all forms of oppression continue to impact our society and manifest as gender-based violence. I commend the dedication and fierce advocacy of all those working to end violence against women and girls, and I want those who experience violence to know that help is available.”

The Manitoba government’s gender-based violence program provides over $21 million in funding to more than 30 agencies that provide help for people affected by family violence. Community agency services range from those providing emergency shelter and crisis supports to those delivering longer-term counselling and residential programming.

The Manitoba government also supports gender-based violence programming through a bilateral agreement with the Government of Canada as part of the 10-year National Action Plan to End Gender-based Violence, announced in July of this year. The agreement provides $22.3 million in funding over four years to support local programs and services.

The 16 Days campaign begins annually on Nov. 25, which was designated as the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women by the United Nations General Assembly in 1999. The campaign runs until Human Rights Day on Dec. 10, the anniversary of the day the United Nations General Assembly adopted and proclaimed the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948.

The minister noted the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women on Dec. 6 also falls during the campaign. Manitobans are invited to participate in a memorial ceremony on Dec. 6 at the Manitou a bi Bii daziigae building on Red River College Polytech’s Exchange District campus. Doors open at 5:30 p.m.

The Manitoba legislative building will be lit with a purple ribbon graphic for the 16 Days of Activism, the minister noted.

There are several ways to participate in the campaign including wearing purple on Nov. 25 and sharing or creating 16 Days posts on social media using the hashtags #16Days and #16DaysofActivism. Manitobans can also take the time to learn more about gender-based violence and commit to challenging misogyny and violence when they encounter it.

Manitobans can learn more about gender-based violence at https://gov.mb.ca/msw/fvpp/about.html.

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