16 Days of Activism to End Gender Based Violence
November 25 marks the start of the International 16 Days of Activism to End Gender Based Violence. Today through December 10 you will see postcards around campus that feature current, accurate information about violence against women in NL. This campaign was initiated in 1991 making this the 25th anniversary. This morning Rhonda Shortall and Jennifer Spracklin attended the Proclamation Signing and Purple Ribbon Flag Raising Ceremony hosted by the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador to kick off the 16 Days. As part of the 16 Days, our office, with the Department of Gender Studies, will host the 27th annual Dec 6th Vigil on the St. John's campus in commemoration of the Montreal Massacre when fourteen women were killed because of their gender.
Internationally the theme of the 16 Days Campaign this year is "From Peace in the Home to Peace in the World: Make Education Safe for All". Violence in public spaces, schools and home continue to maintain barriers to receiving an education and this years' campaign focuses on this situation for girls and boys, and young women and men.
The 16 Days Campaign begins today, November 25, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and runs through to Human Rights Day, December 10.