For the sixth consecutive year, LHCL is participating in the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence (GBV), an annual international campaign that runs from November 25, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, until December 10, Human Rights Day. This campaign started in 1991 to call out and speak up on GBV, and to renew commitment to ending violence against women, girls, and 2SLGBTQI+ individuals.
This year’s theme, UNiTE to End Violence Against Women and Girls: Ensure justice, protect survivors, end impunity calls for the following actions:
Make justice systems work for survivors: Governments must enforce comprehensive laws, strengthen justice institutions, and ensure timely responses, accountability, legal aid, and reparations for survivors.
Protect and support survivors at every step: Ensure accessible, coordinated, and adequately funded services, such as healthcare, legal assistance, and shelters. All responses must be survivor-centred, trauma-informed, confidential, and prioritize safety, dignity, and consent.
Ensure justice across online and offline spaces: Governments and companies must address digital violence through effective laws, accessible reporting, timely content removal, greater transparency, and safer platform design.
Invest in prevention and women’s rights organizations: Fund evidence-based prevention, education, and programmes that challenge misogyny and harmful gender norms. Provide sustained, flexible funding for women’s rights organizations to drive change.
Laurier Heights recognizes the widespread impact of gender-based violence and believes everyone deserves to live free from violence. This year, we are supporting the Sexual Assault Centre of Edmonton (SACE) and their important work supporting survivors and creating a safer community for all, with a community fundraising goal of $1,600.
Get involved! Show your support!
Purchase a purple light bulb and ribbon for $10 or receive one when you make a tax-receiptable donation of $20 or more. Display them throughout the #16 Days and tell people why you have a purple light on your deck... Get yours at the LHCL AGM, Volunteer Appreciation Night, or by contacting events@lhcl.ca.
Join us for chai & conversation! On December 5, stop by our booth at the LHCL Artisan’s Market for chai (by-donation) and to learn more about the campaign!
Throughout the 16 Days engage with our social media posts, stories, and links to video clips, podcasts, and articles.
