Manitobans are encouraged to join 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Based Violence, the international campaign to take local action that includes creating awareness and learning more about solutions that address gender-based violence. This statement was made by Family Services Minister Kerri Irvin-Ross, minister responsible for the status of women.
“The 16 days from Nov. 25 to Dec. 10 is an international campaign that calls for people around the word to work together to end all forms of violence against women,” said Minister Irvin-Ross. “This is a human-rights issue that affects our mothers, sisters, daughters, friends and women everywhere.”
Manitoba provides over $12 million annually to support programs and initiatives to address family violence. An additional $450,000 was announced earlier this month in further support of agencies that work with victims of violence.
The minister noted this event begins today on International Day Against Violence Against Women, includes Dec. 6 as the National Day of Remembrance on Violence Against Women and concludes on Dec. 10, which is International Human Rights Day.
“The Manitoba Women’s Advisory Council has worked diligently on developing partnerships and promoting the message that everyone has a role in speaking out on violence against women and girls in our communities,” said the minister. “The 16-day strategy focuses on creating awareness and opportunities to learn more about gender-based violence. It both reflects and reinforces inequities between men and women and encompasses a wide range of human-rights violations including sexual abuse of children, rape, domestic violence, sexual assault and harassment, and the trafficking of women and girls.”
On Dec. 6 Manitobans are encouraged to attend the annual Sunrise Memorial scheduled for 8 a.m. at the Legislative Building and commit to take action and confront all forms of violence against girls and women. There will also be a moment to pause to remember women who have died as a result of violence.
“This event is a solemn reminder that we must take action and let everyone know that violence against women is never justifiable under any circumstance” said Minister Irvin-Ross. “We can’t change the past, but our actions can create a significant impact on the future for girls and women in Manitoba, Canada and around the world.”
