16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence: A Global Movement
Dear Students of Vancouver Island University (VIU),
The 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence is a global movement to end violence against women and girls. It runs from 25th November (the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women) until 10th December, Human Rights Day.
Gender-based violence is a global public health, gender equality and human rights priority. It remains a systemic crisis, affecting 1 in 3 women worldwide. Risks increase during humanitarian emergencies such as in war or pandemic, or when women face greater curtailment of their essential rights, such as restricted access to education, healthcare or freedom of movement.
Nevertheless, help exists in different forms and we can all play a role in preventing violence against women and girls. If you are experiencing violence, please remember you are not alone and it’s not your fault. If it is safe to do so, please consider reaching out to community members you can trust, consulting a health worker, or seeking support from a hotline or from specialist services.
If you know of, or are concerned about, someone experiencing violence, there are some things you can do – starting with being open and willing to listen. Keep in contact with the person, ensuring that it is safe for them to reach out to you. They might not be ready to talk, but try to find quiet times when they can talk if they choose to.
Find out what services are available for survivors of violence against women. Only provide this information directly if you can do so discreetly and safely. Allow them to make their own decisions. If someone you know needs urgent help, be prepared to call emergency services.
Over the next sixteen days, the VIUSU Instagram account will be sharing some facts pertaining to gender-based violence. We are also holding sessions at the Upper Cafeteria, on Mondays, November 27 and Dec 4, between 10AM and 2PM. Please approach us to find resources on steps you can take to promote gender inclusivity, and to prevent gender-based violence.
On Tuesday, Nov 28, we will be doing a screening of the 2023 film Barbie by Greta Gerwig, at 7PM in the Malaspina Theatre. Everyone is welcome, so put on your pinkest outfits and soak in the women empowerment aura, whilst relaxing with your community members and support groups.
At lunchtime on Wednesday, Dec 6, VIUFA will be holding a vigil at the Malaspina Theatre, where community members have been invited to speak. We will also be having an set-up outside the theatre, for you to commit your own pledge against gender-based violence. Finally, VIUFA will be screening Polytechnique, an unsettling yet crucial film about the tragic real-life violence against women that occurred.
As your Students’ Union, we aim to shed light on the inequities that exist in society, though we are also always ready and available to lend a listening ear and a helping hand. We all play a part in making our community a safe one, and if we put in the effort together, we can end gender-based violence.
Sincerely,
Sarah Mei Lyana, VIUSU Women’s’ Students’ Representative
