#MYActionsMatter Campaign Launches the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence

From: Women and Gender Equality Canada

News Release

Minister Monsef joins the Canadian Football League to raise awareness against gender-based violence ahead of the 105th Grey Cup

November 22, 2017 – Ottawa, ON – Status of Women Canada

Today, the Honourable Maryam Monsef, Minister of Status of Women, joined players from the Canadian Football League to launch the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence. Students at Glebe Collegiate Institute took part in a presentation, delivered by JR Larose and Jamie Taras from the BC Lions, to raise awareness about gender-based violence and the importance of bystander intervention.

Gender-based violence grows out of a culture that devalues women and girls and femininity—through sexist jokes, derogatory language and media messages that objectify women and girls. Despite remaining a significant barrier to gender equality, it is preventable.

During the 16 Days of Activism, the Government of Canada encourages everyone to become an ally in the elimination of gender-based violence by listening to others, believing survivors, speaking up against gender-based violence, safely intervening when witnessing acts of violence, and taking action so we can make our communities safer. As part of this year’s 16 Days campaign, Canadians are invited to take a pledge against gender-based violence and join the conversation online by using the hashtag #MYActionsMatter. This initiative, which builds on this year’s announcement of the first federal strategy to prevent and address gender-based violence, aims to encourage reflection on how everyday sexism and misogyny contribute to violence. From now until December 10, everyone can commit to end gender-based violence by taking the pledge and adding their voice on social media by sharing actions they undertake to end all forms of gender-based violence.

Quotes

“Ending gender-based violence starts with taking action to question, call out, and speak up against harmful behaviour. The Canadian Football League, with the adoption of its policy to prevent violence against women, is demonstrating leadership and encouraging other organizations to follow suit. This year’s campaign, #MYActionsMatter, demonstrates how everyone has a role to play in putting an end to gender-based violence. Bringing awareness to this form of violence at a young age helps youth realize the role they can play in ending it. During the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, I invite everyone to join me in showing support for survivors and committing to putting an end to violence.”

The Honourable Maryam Monsef, P.C., M.P.
Minister of Status of Women

Quick Facts

  • The 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence start on November 25 with the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and end on December 10 with International Human Rights Day. They also include the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women on December 6.

  • December 6 is the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence against Women in Canada. Established in 1991 by the Parliament of Canada, this day marks the anniversary of the murders in 1989 of 14 young women at l'École Polytechnique de Montréal. They died because they were women.

  • From Thursday, November 23 to Sunday, November 26, Status of Women Canada will be onsite at the Grey Cup festival to encourage visitors to sign a pledge to end gender-based violence.

  • The Canadian Football League (CFL) developed its policy on violence against women in partnership with the Ending Violence Association of Canada and following consultations with multiple women who are experts in the field of responding to violence against women. It was first announced in 2015 and the CFL has since partnered with multiple anti-violence organizations on outreach programs as well as other awareness initiatives.

  • Statistics show that women and girls continue to be more at risk of experiencing many forms of violence than men and boys. For example, women have a 20% higher risk of being victimized than men.

  • An estimated 1 in 3 women will experience some form of sexual violence in her lifetime. Intimate partner violence and sexual assault costs the federal government more than $12 billion a year.

  • In June 2017, the Minister of Status of Women, the Honourable Maryam Monsef, announced $100.9 million for the first federal strategy to prevent and address gender-based violence. The Strategy is based on three pillars: prevention; support for survivors and their families; and promotion of responsive legal and justice systems.

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Contacts

Célia Canon
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Status of Women
613-862-3270

Léonie Roux
Public Affairs Officer
Status of Women Canada
819-420-6821

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