Quick Escape 
Every year, from November 25 to December 10, we unite for the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence. This international campaign begins on the Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women (November 25) and ends on Human Rights Day (December 10).
Gender-based violence refers to violence perpetrated against a person or group due to their gender, gender identity, gender expression, or perceived gender. The 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence was started by activists at the Women’s Global Leadership Institute in 1991. This annual reminder that gender-based violence is not a private issue, and has far-reaching impacts is important for us to engage with so we can interrupt harmful gender norms and cycles of violence when we recognize them.
Over the next 16 days, YWCA Hamilton will highlight 16 practical actions any of us can take to help bring an end to gender-based violence in the communities we belong to. We will:
- Acknowledge the problem – anyone can experience gender-based violence
- Be alert to non-physical violence
- Remove negative stigma – believe survivors!
- Promote gender diversity in workplaces
- Put safety first
- Educate youth
- Stop victim shaming/blaming
- Know the risks – some people are more at risk of experiencing gender-based violence than others
- Take action
- Know what to do when someone asks for help
- Highlight positive role models in our communities
- Avoid gender stereotypes
- Engage men and boys as allies to call out violence when they see it
- Recognize triggers, like times of crisis
- Support shelters!
- Challenge social norms that encourage harmful behaviours
Today, we begin by acknowledging the problem – and what we can do to address it.
There are several events coming up in Hamilton to honour this time and mobilize the community. On December 6, 2024, the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women, there will be an event at Honouring the Circle at 10:00am. There will also be an event on McMaster University’s campus open to the public featuring a panel discussion with Jessica Bonilla-Damptey, the Director of @sachahamont, and Anabelle Ragsag, co-founder of @filipinasofhamont.
In mid-December, YWCA Hamilton and LEAF Hamilton are welcoming award-winning Canadian journalist and author, Elizabeth Renzetti, to the Westdale Theatre for an evening of conversation about her new book, What She Said: Conversations About Equality. This event on December 17, 2024 will include a Q&A moderated by our own acclaimed author, Anuja Varghese. Tickets will be on sale until December 8, 2024. Purchase them here!
Join us @ywcahamilton for the next 16 days to learn more about how you can take a stand, whether through advocacy, education, or supporting survivors in your lives. We will build a world where all individuals can live free from discrimination and violence through sustained, collective action.