Every day in Canada, women experience violence simply because they are women. The relationship between gender and violence is complex, yet evidence suggests that gender inequality increases the risk of violence by men against women. At the YWCA, we know that as long as gender-based violence continues to exist, gender equality will remain out of reach.
We don’t have to look far to see the widespread effects of violence against women. We see how women are disproportionately represented in sexual assault and human trafficking cases, how 50% of women who have experienced violence have had a mental health diagnosis and that 67% of Canadians know a woman who has experienced sexual or physical abuse. In mid-2018, it was reported that women in Canada are dying of femicide (men murdering women) every other day. Women’s lives are being cut short because of inequality.
We know that gender equality can benefit society as a whole, while violence against women is costly. It’s been reported that the aftermath of intimate-partner violence costs taxpayers and the government $7.4 billion (from expenses such as hospital visits, loss of income and funerals). Yet research indicates that gender equality is associated with overall economic growth.
To move towards gender equality, we need to work together to eliminate gender-based violence in our communities. So where do we start?
Join the YWCA this December 6
#RedefineMasculinity
Leading up to the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women this December 6, YWCA Metro Vancouver will be taking a look at toxic masculinity–a set of attitudes that research has shown to be strongly linked to the perpetration of violence against women–and how we can encourage the men in our lives to examine, talk about and unlearn the harmful behaviours it perpetuates. Stay tuned for what our male allies have to say about how to #RedefineMasculinity and help end gender-based violence.
YWCA Light the Night Against Violence
Every year on December 6, the YWCA partners with landmarks in Metro Vancouver to light up in red to observe the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women. This year you will see Vancouver City Hall, BC Place and Science World Light the Night Against Violence to show their support. Have we missed a landmark? Send us your suggestions.
16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence
This November 25 to December 10 marks the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, which observe the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, International Human Rights Day, and the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women.
For these 16 days and beyond, everyone is invited to join the movement to end gender-based violence. Organizations are working to bring the community together in the spirit of gender equality.
Join these events during the 16 Days of Activism Against Violence:
16 Days of Action Violence Against Women Launch
The Pacific Association of First Nations Women will gather at Pigeon Park to sing songs and open mic for those affected by Violence Against Women.
Date: November 25, 2018, 4:00pm – 5:30pm
Location: Pigeon Park, 399 Carrall Street, Vancouver
Candlelight Vigil & Red Sand Ceremony
Soroptimist International of the Langleys and Ishtar Transition Housing Society invite the community to join with them to commemorate the 20th Annual International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women.
Date: November 25, 2018, 5:00pm
Location: Bedford Landing, Fort Langley
UBC Engineering is one of many engineering faculties across the country to host events commemorating the lives lost on December 6, 1989 at l’Ecole Polytechnique.
Date: November 28, 2018, 12:00pm – 7:00pm
Location: Engineering Design Centre, 2345 East Mall, Vancouver
The BCIT Student Association observes December 6 by holding a vigil and workshops and encouraging the BCIT community to take concrete steps against acts of gender-based violence.
Date: December 6, 2018
Location: BCIT (both Downtown Campus and Burnaby Campus)
Roundtable conversations at the Montréal Massacre Memorial
Vancouver Rape Relief is hosting a full-day event of conversations and reflections on violence against women. Topics include Feminist Demands of the National Inquiry into MMIWG and Methods for Feminist Organizing.
When: December 1, 2018, 10:00am – 6:00pm
Location: Vancouver Public Library, 350 West Georgia
You, Crew and Me Too – The #Me Too Movement in Airline Industry
The University Women’s Club of Vancouver is hosting a discussion with Mandalena Lewis on gender-based violence in the airline industry.
Date: December 6, 2018, 7:00pm – 9:00pm
Location: Hycroft, 1489 McRae Avenue, Vancouver
Saa’ust Centre for families and survivors affected by the national inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls is hosting the film “Quiet Killing” about missing and murdered Indigenous women.
When: December 7, 2018, time TBA
Location: 44 East Cordova St, Vancouver
