16 DAYS OF ACTIVISM AGAINST GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE — International Campaign
The 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence is an annual international campaign that begins on November 25, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, and goes until December 10, Human Rights Day. This campaign started in 1991 to call out and speak up on gender-based violence, and to renew our commitment to ending violence against women, girls, and 2SLGBTQI+ individuals. In Canada, we also observe the National Day of Remembrance + Action on Violence Against Women during the 16 Days to remember the women who were murdered during the tragic mass shooting at Polytechnique Montréal on December 6, 1989.
COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES
Saturday, November 25 | 11AM – 5PM — Pick Up a Purple Ribbon to Wear During the 16 Days of Activism | Comox Valley Art Gallery
Wearing purple is recommended to help raise awareness.
Saturday November 25 | 11AM – 5PM — Indigenous Winter Festival — Organized + Presented by the Indigenous Women’s Sharing Society | Florence Filberg Centre, Courtenay
Wednesday, November 29 | 11AM – 1PM — Making Ribbons + Felted Pins with Diana McKenzie + Elder Donna Mitchell | Comox Valley Art Gallery
Diana will be creating purple ribbons (a sign of committing to standing against gender-based and racial violence) and white ribbons (symbolizing remembrance of those lost and opposition against violence towards women). Donna will be making small, felted red dresses and orange shirt pins. The public is invited to participate in the making of these or to pick up pre-made ones to wear.
Saturday, December 2 | 2:30PM — Marker of Change: The Story of the Women’s Monument — Film Screening + Community Conversation with the Filmmaker | Presented by World Community + Comox Valley Transition Society | Stan Hagan Theatre at North Island College
Wednesday December 6 | 12PM — Vigil — Commemorating the National Day of Remembrance + Action on Violence Against Women | Organized by the Comox Valley Transition Society | Public Plaza at the Comox Valley Art Gallery
RESOURCES
Comox Valley Transition Society
Support Services for Gender-Based Violence – WAGE Canada
Youth Support Services for Gender-Based Violence – WAGE Canada
Research on Gender-Based Violence – WAGE Canada
National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence – WAGE Canada
Safe Passage – Native Women’s Association of Canada
Beyond December 6 by Catherine Fol – NFB
Because We Are Girls by Baljit Sangra – NFB
Into the Light by Gentille M. Assih – NFB
Status Quo? The Unfinished Business of Feminism in Canada by Karen Cho – NFB
A Better Man by Attiya Khan, Lawrence Jackman – NFB
Finding Dawn by Christine Welsh – NFB
“Consent for Kids” – Blue Seat Studios
This year, the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, occurs during the convergent program upholding one another at the Comox Valley Art Gallery. This comprehensive program of projects and community events, that unfolds over time, and includes: exhibitions | installations | cultural sharing | video programs | community conversations + art-making | activism events — empowered through intersectional discourse, vulnerability, and respect for each other. Community collaborations stitch together creative actions + cultural teachings + knowledge-sharing to instigate social change through a convergent program that explores the topics of misogyny, gender-based + racist violence, and resiliency.
Thematic materials may trigger strong emotional responses. Elders | trauma care support | resources for finding community support will be available to visitors during gallery hours and at events.
CVAG spaces are accessible and programs are barrier free (no cost). DONATIONS: are appreciated and contribute to ongoing community interactive programming.
PUBLIC HEALTH CONSIDERATIONS: we ask that visitors choose not to visit if they are experiencing symptoms of colds and flus. Hand sanitation dispensers are available at CVAG. Wearing a mask is at the discretion of the visitor.