16 DAYS OF ACTIVISM AGAINST GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE (2019)

During the 16 Days, the Government of Canada is asking everyone to take concrete steps to question, callout, and speak up against acts of gender-based violence. As part of this year’s 16 Days campaign, get involved—and take action—here are 16 ways to say #MYActionsMatter in our community and beyond. ​ November 25: International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. Today kicks off the 16 Days of Action! Start with an easy one: change your profile picture or cover photo on social media to show your support for ending violence against women and girls. Color it purple or use the 16 days logo found at: https://16dayscampaign.org/ and use the hashtag #MYActionsMatter. ​ November 26: Make your support visible. Make sporting a purple awareness ribbon the latest fashion trend. It clearly shows to others that you stand against violence. Involve your family, friends and coworkers. You can get your purple ribbons at Transitions Thrift Store located at 830 13 th Avenue in CR. ​ November 27: Volunteer! Agencies that help survivors of all types of abuse rely on volunteers to help them in their work. Learn about how you can volunteer and make a difference locally in the lives of survivors and their children. ​ November 28: Change your language. How often have we laughed off comments like “he throws like a girl “? Gender stereotypes contribute to a world that allows violence against women. Commit to changing your language and learn how to interrupt these patterns. ​ November 29: Shop and use #BlackFriday, #SmallBusinessSaturday, and #CyberMonday for good! Purchase something that could be donated to the Transition Society or another non-profit. Donate gift cards so that they can purchase comfort items for those in need such as food, pajamas and personal care items. ​ November 30: Educate yourself and others in your workplace about how to make your workplace a safe zone with zero tolerance for sexual harassment and violence. ​ December 1: Calling all high school and college students! Now is a perfect time to organize an event to raise awareness & share your information about the resources available at your school and in your community. Film screenings or panel discussions are great ways to start conversation. ​ December 2: Shop and donate with intention within your community. Support the places that you believe make a difference in your community. You can find amazing treasures locally at Transitions Thrift Store. ​ December 3: It’s #GivingTuesday and your donation matters! You can help in the continuing effort to support survivors of abuse. One place you can donate to locally is the Campbell River and North Island Transition Society through Canada Helps. ​ December 4: Help to speak out about Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women in Canada! Sign the pledge to stand with Indigenous women and their families to end violence. Visit Amnesty International https://takeaction.amnesty.ca/page/36980/petition/1 ​ December 5: Commit to bringing men and boys into the discussion. Take the time to find out what Canada is doing to bring inclusion to their efforts in seeking gender equality. https://cfc-swc.gc.ca/abu-ans/wwad-cqnf/men-boys-hommes-garcons/index-en.html December 6: Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women. We encourage you to reflect on the 14 victims who were murdered in Quebec. Take a moment to consider what actions you can continue after this16 days to stand up against misogyny, sexism, and hate in order to create a culture of respect. December 7: Learn about the resources available in our community, where they are and how to access them. Put the 24/7 help line phone number (250-286-3666/1-800-667-2188) for the Ann Elmore Transition House (or a Transition House in your area) into your phone. Keep it handy – you never know when someone you know might need it. ​ December 8: Seek help! If you are in an unsafe situation, seek help. You are not alone! There is help available. ​ December 9: Coldest Night of the Year is a fundraising event to help vulnerable people in 133+ cities across Canada. Locally the Campbell River and North Island Transition Society is hosting the event for third year in a row. Sign up a team or as a walker and get ready to show your support on February 22nd 2020. ​ December 10: It is International Human Rights Day. Gender based violence against women is a violation of human rights. The declaration of Human Rights was a milestone document that proclaimed the inalienable rights which everyone is inherently entitled to as a human being -- regardless of race, colour, religion, sex, language, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status. In short: we are all equal and deserve to be free from violence and abuse. Know your rights and allow others the freedom of a word with acceptance.