16days ofActivism

GenderagainstViolence

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the PURPOSE of the campaign is to

• Raise awareness about gender-based violence as a violation of human rights

• Strengthen local responses to/activism against (work around) violence against women

• Provide a forum to share new and effective strategies for preventing violence against women

• Demonstrate the solidarity of women around the world organizing against violence against women

• Create tools to pressure governments to eliminate violence against women

ACTION ideas

• Learn more about the 16 Days of Activism to End Gender Based Violence

• Contact your local anti-violence agency to find out how you can support any activities they have planned for the 16 Days

• Keep the message alive – make every day a day of activism against gender based violence

The 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Violence Campaign

takes place on November 25th to December 10th

each year and is coordinated internationally by

the Center for Women’s Global Leadership.

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12The White Ribbon Campaign is the largest effort in the world

of men working to end violence against women. Its focus is to educate men and boys on what they can do to end

violence against women.

ACTION ideas

Start a white ribbon campaign in your community and get men and boys involved in ending Violence Against Women and girls.

www.whiteribbon.ca

November 25 - December 6

White Ribbon Campaign

11During the 54th UN General Assembly in 1999, a draft

resolution calling for the designation of November 25 as the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against

Women was introduced.

ACTION ideas

• Organize a rally or vigil in your community to draw attention to violence against women

• Learn about the important things men can do to end violence against women

• Head up a fund raising campaign for you local anti-violence services

November 25

International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women

www.un.org/womenwatch/daw/news/vawd.html

10November 29 International Women Human Rights Defenders Day

On this day, women’s human rights advocates call attention to gender-based discrimination and violence as well as discrimination based on gender identity

and sexual orientation. This day was declared in 2005 as part of the 16 days of activism against violence against women at the International Consultation on Women Human Rights Defenders in Colombo, Sri Lanka.

ACTION ideas

• Write a note, make a donation, volunteer or do something special to celebrate the strengths of the people within your local violence against women agency

• Challenge verbal or physical attacks on activists working to end violence against women

www.defendingwomen-defendingrights.org

9World AIDS Day started on December 1st, 1988.

It is a day to increase awareness, raise money, fight prejudice and improve education. The World AIDS

Day theme for 2010 is ‘Universal Access and Human Rights’. This day is important in reminding people that HIV has not gone away, and that there are many things still to be done.

ACTION ideas

Start the Light for Rights Campaign in your community!

December 1

World AIDS Day

www.worldaidscampaign.org/en/World-AIDS-Day/ Light-for-Rights

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7This day aims to promote an understanding of disAbility

issues and create support for the rights, well-being and full participation in all aspects of society for persons with

disAbilities. The day was established by the World Programme of Action concerning Disabled Persons and adopted by the UN General Assembly in 1982.

ACTION ideas

• Connect with Pacific DisAbled Woman’s Network (DAWN) or DAWN Canada to learn about violence against women with disAbilities

• Plan and organize performances showcasing and celebrating women with disAbilities

December 3

International Day of Persons with Disabilities

www.dawncanada.net/ENG/ENGwelcome.htm

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This day was designated by the United Nations in 1985. Its main purpose is to raise awareness on the efforts of volunteers all over the world.

ACTION ideas

Volunteer at your local Violence Against Women Agency or do something to honour the volunteers in your community

December 5

International Volunteer Day

www.unv.org/what-we-do/intl-volunteer-day.html

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The National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women is a day commemorated in Canada each December 6th, the anniversary of the 1989 École

Polytechnique Massacre, in which 14 women were singled out for their gender and murdered. It is often marked by vigils, discussions and other reflections on violence against women and girls.

ACTION ideas

Hand out and wear white and/or purple ribbons in your community as a commitment to end Violence Against Women and girls

December 6

National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women

www.swc-cfc.gc.ca/dates/vaw-vff/index-eng.html

3December 10th is the International Human Rights Day

established by the United Nations. The date was chosen to honour the Universal Declaration of Human

Rights, the first global enunciation of human rights.

ACTION ideas

Advocate for non-discrimination and the elimination of Violence Against Women to your local leaders by writing letters, petitions or calling political candidates to ask what they are doing to support the human rights of women

December 10

International Human Rights Day

www.un.org/en/events/humanrightsday/

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1for more information on 16 Days of Activism please visit 16dayscwgl.rutgers.edu