Province Recognizes National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women

December 3, 2015

A public event to honour women who have died in acts of violence and actions taken to prevent gender-based violence will take place tomorrow, Family Services Minister Kerri Irvin-Ross, minister responsible for the status of women, said today.

“Preventing violence against women is a collective responsibility.  The Manitoba government recognizes the importance of programs and initiatives that help address gender-based violence, and promote a safer, more inclusive society,” said Minister Irvin-Ross.

This year’s event commemorates the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women.  It will take place tomorrow from 8 to 10 a.m. in the Rotunda of the Legislative Building.  Part of the event will be a panel discussion on sexual violence on campus with students from
post-secondary institutions in Manitoba.

“Violence against women is a problem in many environments, including on campus, and we’re engaging students to help us identify possible solutions,” said Minister Irvin-Ross.

The event honours 14 young women whose lives ended at the École Polytechnique in an act of gender-based violence on Dec. 6, 1989, as well as women and girls who died this past year in Manitoba due to acts of violence.

The memorial falls during the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence campaign, which runs from Nov. 25, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, to Dec. 10, International Human Rights Day.

The Manitoba government supports a variety of initiatives to raise awareness of gender-based violence and promote solutions including two campaigns:
• #WhoWillYouHelp, a series of television and print advertisements that encourage people to intervene when they encounter gender-based harassment and violence; and
• Break the Silence, a series of public service announcements and educational programs with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers that helps encourage young men and women to take action against gender-based violence in their communities.

“We have to consciously remind ourselves that women who suffer gender-based violence are not strangers to us.  They are our mothers, sisters and daughters,” said Nadia Kidwai, chair, Manitoba Women’s Advisory Council.  “Our sisters who have suffered violence should not only be defined as victims, they are also shining lights that call us to action.  Men and women of all cultures and backgrounds must stand together and work to change this reality for the sake of our sons and daughters.”

For more information on helping to stop violence against women and girls, visit: www.manitoba/stoptheviolence.

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