The Honourable Marci Ien, Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Youth, supported by federal cabinet ministers* issued the following statement today to mark the beginning of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-based Violence and commemorate the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women:
"The 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-based Violence is a global campaign that unites people to speak out against violence and drive change, running from November 25 to December 10. This year's theme, Come Together, Act Now, calls on all Canadians-particularly men and boys-to challenge harmful norms and take meaningful action to prevent and address gender-based violence.
For victims, survivors, and their families, the impacts are profound and far-reaching, including physical, emotional, financial, and mental health challenges. This is a widespread human rights violation that affects millions, with more than 6.2 million women aged 15 and over in Canada having reported experiencing some form of intimate partner violence in their lifetime.
Last year, 187 women were killed violently in Canada - that is one woman every two days. These are not just numbers; they tell a devasting story of lives lost too soon. These women were mothers, sisters, friends and colleagues who never got the opportunity to realize their potential. This heartbreaking reality is a call to action. We must commit to building better systems that protect women and ensure their safety. Together, we need to challenge and disrupt harmful gender norms and invest in long-term solutions to end gender-based violence - and no individual person or institution can do that.
The path forward lies in collective commitment. Everyone has a vital role to play, including men and boys, in challenging and transforming harmful social norms, attitudes, and behaviors that perpetuate violence. Together, we can create the systemic change needed to build a safer, more equitable future for all.
Federal departments and agencies continue to come together and act now to end gender-based violence and support victims and survivors through:
