Recapping the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence
From November 25 to December 10, your Students' Union joined the global effort to end gender-based violence through the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaign. In partnership with the VIU Faculty Association (VIUFA), we organized a series of events aimed at raising awareness, providing support, and fostering community solidarity.
Clothesline Project
The campaign kicked off on November 25, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, with the Clothesline Project. This display of t-shirts featuring messages from survivors and allies shined a light on various forms of gender-based violence. Students and community members were invited to write messages of support and calls for justice on blank t-shirts, which were displayed in the upper cafeteria. Several off-campus and on-campus organisations tabled at this event, and the t-shirt activity was supported by two of the VIUSU clubs on campus—The Muslim Womens’ Club and the Fireside Feminists Club. Professor and poet Sonnet L’abbe performed during the activities, and MLA for Nanaimo-Gabriola Island Sheila Malcolmson spoke at the event in support of the initiative. The Clothesline Project was on display for the entire 16-day period.
Haven Society Clothing Drive
Throughout the 16 days, VIUSU collaborated with VIUFA’s Women and Gender Equity (WAGE) Committee in hosting a Clothing Drive. Donations of clothing and essential items were collected at drop-off locations throughout the campaign, items which were then brought to the Haven Society, a local shelter supporting survivors of gender-based violence.
Stitch n' Bitch: Creative Connections
VIUSU’s Stitch n' Bitch workshop was held on November 27, led by guest Danielle Dickson—a Nanaimo-based art therapist—and hosted by your Womens’ Rep, Maggie Velisek, offered students a chance to reflect and connect through expressive arts therapy, fostering a safe space for healing and community-building.
Reel Revolution Film Series
November 28, the Reel Revolution Film Series celebrated 2SLGBTQIAA+ and gender justice activists through short films, showcasing those fighting for autonomy, liberation, and equality. Reel Revolutions was organised by VIUFA’s WAGE Committee.
Deeper Than Drugs: An Intersectional Analysis
On December 4, Sarah Lovegrove, a Registered Nurse, led a discussion on the intersection of gender-based violence and the toxic drug crisis, exploring its colonial and racialized roots. This talk was organised by VIUFA’s WAGE Committee.
December 6 Vigil: Remembering the École Polytechnique Massacre
The campaign continued with a Vigil on December 6, the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women. A ceremony was held in remembrance of the 14 women murdered in the 1989 École Polytechnique massacre. The event included guest speakers including students, faculty, and representatives from off-campus groups, each of which was invited to present one ‘Call to Action’ in their presentation. The vigil concluded with poetry and a moment of silence in the Jardin des Quatorze to honor the women killed in 1989 as well as all those impacted by gender-based violence.
A Message from Maggie Velisek, your Women’s Student Rep
Maggie, VIUSU’s Women’s Students Rep, shared the importance community involvement in activism against gender-based violence -
"Although the events of 16 Days of Activism have been based around nationally and internationally recognised days of remembrance and recognition, the fight to end gender-based violence is to be fought every day, at every place in the world, and by every person. In order to create meaningful change, we must all endeavor to include every member of our community. I especially want to encourage men and boys to engage with these topics and issues that we have elevated during this 16-day period.
Listen to womens’ voices, listen to trans and gender-diverse voices, and center the stories and experiences of historically and systemically marginalized groups. Canada is still suffering with the epidemic of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirit folks. The reality is that with our everyday actions, if we are not actively fighting for justice for our Stolen Sisters, we are condemning more women to be lost to racist and colonial violence. The same goes for violence against women around the world—when the Canadian government invests our tax dollars in weapons and war, we are directly complicit in the crimes against humanity that are committed with these funds.
I encourage you all to be mindful with the words you use and conceptions you have about people of different genders and sexualities, and I encourage you all to take the time and check in with yourself and confront your complicity in the face of oppressive ideologies and systems."
Thank you to everyone who participated in or supported these initiatives.
Resources
There are many organisations in the community that offer support and help for those facing gender-based violence. Whether or not you plan to access these resources, you can make a difference by familiarizing yourself with the resources available.
Nanaimo Family Life Association
NFLA has affordable and holistic counselling and self development programs.
www.nflabc.org
Nanaimo Women Helping Women
Nanaimo Women Helping Women is a network primarily focused on supporting single women, with or without children, who are in crisis.
https://nwhw.ca/
nanaimowomenhelpingwomen@gmail.com
Haven Society
Crisis line: +12507560616
Haven Society is an organization for women facing violence in Nanaimo. Haven Society’s efforts include counselling, outreach, and a transition house.
www.havensociety.com
VIU Counselling Services
VIU has several counselors available to meet with students on campus at the Health and Wellness Centre in Building 200.
services.viu.ca/counselling
Vancouver Island Crisis Line
24/7 crisis line: +18884943888
