Status of Women Canada at the 105th Grey Cup

In advance of the 105th Grey Cup, Status of Women Canada has partnered with the Canadian Football League (CFL) to promote this year’s 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence. This is a unique opportunity to reach a large audience and build on the momentum leading up to the championship game, the Grey Cup, on Sunday, November 26. It also offers the opportunity to highlight the CFL’s policy on violence against women.

From Thursday, November 23 to Sunday, November 26, SWC will be onsite at TD Park for the Grey Cup festival to encourage visitors to sign a pledge to end gender-based violence. Onsite equipment will also allow visitors to share their messages of support using the hashtag #MYActionsMatter. Staff will be present at the booth from Thursday, November 23 to Sunday, November 26.

In 2015, the CFL announced its policy on violence against women which was developed 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. Since then, the CFL has partnered with multiple anti-violence organizations on outreach programs and other awareness initiatives. The policy seeks to prevent violence in the first place, respond quickly on behalf of those harmed when it does occur, provide help to those affected by it and seek behaviour change from anyone found to be perpetrating violence.

As a result of the policy, everyone who works for the CFL—players, coaches, officials, executives and staff—receives mandatory training on violence against women and the issues surrounding it on an annual basis.

The 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence (November 25-December 10)

Started in 1991 by the Center for Women’s Global Leadership, the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence begin on November 25 with the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and end on International Human Rights Day on December 10. They also include the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women and Girls on December 6. These 16 Days are a time to reflect on gender-based violence, including violence against women and girls, and to take action to end it.

November 25 was identified as the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women by the United Nations General Assembly in 1999.The date was chosen to commemorate the lives of the Mirabal sisters from the Dominican Republic who were violently assassinated in 1960. The day pays tribute to them and urges global recognition of gender-based violence. Each year on this day, governments, international organizations and NGOs are invited to organize activities to raise public awareness of the problem.

Gender-based violence affects everyone. It destroys families, weakens the fabric of our society, and takes a heavy toll on our communities and our economy. During the 16 Days of Activism, Canadians are reminded that their actions matter in the elimination of gender-based violence.

National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women (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, it marks the day, in 1989, when 14 young women were murdered at l'École Polytechnique de Montréal because they were women.

On December 6, we commemorate these 14 young women whose lives ended in an act of gender-based violence; we are reminded that for many women and girls, violence is still a daily reality; and we remember those who have died as a result of gender-based violence.

December 6 also represents an opportunity for Canadians to reflect and find solutions that will contribute to the elimination of all forms of violence against women and girls.