Zonta Club of Ottawa, Canada

16 Days of Activism

Zonta Club of Ottawa, Canada

Published by Lauren Nagel

“UNITE! Activism to end violence against women and girls”

Today marks the first day of our 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence. Each day we will post a fact or statistic about gender-based violence. Our aim is to educate ourselves and the public about the ongoing problem of gender-based violence. Please share to help us spread awareness! #16daysofactivism #womensempowerement #zonta #16days
May be an image of text that says '公V ZONTA CLUB OF OTTAWA, CANADA 16 DAYS OF ACTIVISM AGAINST GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE'
Day 1: On any given day in Canada, more than 3,000 women (along with their 2,500 children) are living in an emergency shelter to escape domestic violence. #16daysofactivism #womensempowerement #zonta #16days
May be an image of 1 person and text that says 'ON ANY GIVEN DAY IN CANADA, MORE THAN 3,000 WOMEN, ALONG WITH THEIR 2 500 CHILDREN, ARE LIVING IN AN EMERGENCY SHELTER TO ESCAPE DOMESTIC VIOLENCE.'
Day 2: It is estimated that 80% of climate migrants and refugees are women, and gender-based violence is a tragic reality of their situation. When women are forced to stay in emergency camps, they are at a greater risk of experiencing violence while they sleep, wash, bathe or dress. #16daysofactivism #womensempowerement #zonta #16days
Day 3: The scarcity of drinking water caused by climate change forces women and girls in some areas to search farther from their communities for water. Women and girls are often the main target of criminal groups in remote areas, and their vulnerable state increases the risk of sexual violence. #16daysofactivism #womensempowerement #zonta #16days
May be an image of text that says 'THE SCARCITY OF DRINKING WATER CAUSED BY CLIMATE CHANGE FORCES WOMEN AND GIRLS TO SEARCH FARTHER FROM THEIR COMMUNITIES FOR WATER. WOMEN AND GIRLS ARE OFTEN THE MAIN TARGET OF CRIMINAL GROUPS IN REMOTE AREAS, AND THEIR VULNERABLE STATE INCREASES THE RISK OF SEXUAL VIOLENCE.'
Day 4: Between 2016 and 2019, over 1,698 acts of violence were recorded against women human rights defenders. “When women stand up to challenge environmental destruction, pollution and dispossession, they are stepping out of their traditional roles; and society retaliates with violence against the women.” – Melania Chiponda, Climate Justice and Gender Adviser at the African Women’s Development and Communication Network (FEMNET) #16daysofactivism #womensempowerement #zonta #16days

May be an image of one or more people and text that says 'BETWEEN 2016 AND 2019, OVER 1698 ACTS OF VIOLENCE WERE RECORDED AGAINST WOMEN HUMAN RIGHTS DEFENDERS. THERE THERE IS NO PLANET B PLANET'

Day 5: Approximately every seven days, a woman in Canada is killed by her intimate partner. #16daysofactivism #womensempowerement #zonta #16days
May be an image of text that says 'APPROXIMATELY EVERY SEVEN DAYS, A WOMAN IN CANADA IS KILLED BY HER INTIMATE PARTNER.'
Day 6: Women with a disability are three times more likely to experience violent victimization than women living without a disability. Women with disabilities experience unique concerns such as: increased difficulty leaving an abuser due to mobility or communication issues; greater difficulty accessing shelter services and/or transportation; higher rates of emotional abuse; being prevented from using an assistive device (e.g. wheelchair or cane); and abuse by institutional caregivers and/or other residents. #16daysofactivism #womensempowerement #zonta #16days
Day 7: In Canada in 2019, 107,810 people aged 15 and over reported intimate partner violence. 79% were women.#16daysofactivism #womensempowerement #zonta #16days

May be an image of one or more people and text that says 'IN CANADA IN 2019, 107,810 PEOPLE AGED 15 AND OVER REPORTED INTIMATE PARTNER VIOLENCE. 79% WERE WOMEN.'

Day 8: The cost of violence against women in Canada for health care, criminal justice, social services, and lost wages and productivity has been calculated at $7.4 billion per year. #16daysofactivism #womensempowerement #zonta #16days

May be an image of text that says 'THE COST OF VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN IN CANADA EACH YEAR HAS BEEN ESTIMATED AT: $7.4 BILLION THIS INCLUDES THE COSTS OF HEALTH CARE, CRIMINAL JUSTICE, SOCIAL SERVICES, AND LOST WAGES AND PRODUCTIVITY.'

Day 9: In Canada, each year an average of 800,000 children witness a woman being abused. Not only are children who witness this violence at an immediate risk of being physically injured, but witnessing domestic violence also has many proven long-term impacts on children and youth. #16daysofactivism #womensempowerement #zonta #16days
May be an image of one or more people and text that says 'EACH YEAR IN CANADA, AN AVERAGE OF 800,000 CHILDREN WITNESS A WOMAN BEING ABUSED. NOT ONLY ARE THESE CHILDREN AT RISK OF BEING INJURED, BUT WITNESSING DOMESTIC VIOLENCE HAS MANY PROVEN LONG-TERM EFFECTS.'
Day 10: Women often stay because the abuser has threatened to kill them, kill themself, and/or kill the children or pets if they leave. Women believe these threats, and for good reason, as the most dangerous time for an abused woman is when she attempts to leave her abuser. #16daysofactivism #womensempowerement #zonta #16days

May be an image of one or more people and text that says 'WHY DO WOMEN STAY IN ABUSIVE RELATIONSHIPS? WOMEN OFTEN STAY BECAUSE THE ABUSER THREATENED TO KILL THEM, KILL THEMSELF, AND/OR KILL THE CHILDREN OR PETS IF THEY LEAVE. THE MOST DANGEROUS TIME FOR AN ABUSED WOMAN IS WHEN SHE ATTEMPTS TO LEAVE HER ABUSER.'

Day 11: About 25% of all women who are murdered by their spouse had left the relationship. In one study, half of the murdered women were killed within two months of leaving the relationship. #16daysofactivism #womensempowerement #zonta #16days
May be an image of one or more people and text that says 'ABOUT 25% OF ALL WOMEN WHO ARE MURDERED BY THEIR SPOUSE HAD LEFT THE RELATIONSHIP. IN ONE STUDY, HALF OF THE MURDERED WOMEN WERE KILLED WITHIN TWO MONTHS OF LEAVING THE RELATIONSHIP.'
Day 12: Domestic violence carries over into the workplace, threatening women’s ability to maintain economic independence. More than half (53%) of respondents who had experienced domestic violence said that at least one type of abusive had happened at or near their workplace. Almost 40% of those who had experienced domestic abuse said it made it difficult to get to work, and 8.5% said they lost their jobs because of it. #16daysofactivism #womensempowerement #zonta #16days

May be an image of text that says 'IN A STUDY ON DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AND WORK LIFE: 53% OF RESPONDENTS SAID THAT ABUSE HAD HAPPENED AT OR NEAR THEIR WORKPLACE. OF THOSE WHO HAD EXPERIENCED DOMESTIC ABUSE SAID IT MADE IT HARD TO GET TO WORK. 40% 8.5% OF RESPONDENTS SAID THEY LOST THEIR JOB BECAUSE OF IT.'

Day 13: Cyber violence, which includes online threats, harassment, and stalking, has emerged as an extension of violence against women. Young women (age 18-24) are most likely to experience online harassment in its most severe forms, including stalking, sexual harassment and physical threats. #16daysofactivism #womensempowerement #zonta #16days
Day 14: Indigenous women are killed at six times the rate of non-Indigenous women. In 2021, a report by the Canadian government revealed that there are as many as 4,000 cases of missing or murdered indigenous women in Canada. #16daysofactivism #womensempowerement #zonta #16days
May be an image of text that says 'INDIGENOUS WOMEN ARE KILLED AT SIX TIMES THE RATE OF NON-INDIGENOUS WOMEN. IN 2021, A REPORT BY THE CANADIAN GOVERNMENT REVEALED THAT THERE ARE AS MANY AS 4,000 CASES OF MISSING OR MURDERED INDIGENOUS WOMEN IN CANADA.'
Day 15: Domestic violence increases during times of crises, and national GBV rates increase following natural disasters like floods, wildfires, and hurricanes. #16daysofactivism #womensempowerement #zonta #16days

May be an image of text that says 'DOMESTIC VIOLENCE INCREASES DURING TIMES OF CRISIS, AND NATIONAL GENDER- BASED VIOLENCE RATES INCREASE FOLLOWING NATURAL DISASTERS LIKE FLOODS, WILDFIRES, AND HURRICANES.'

Day 16: Here are just a few examples of the ways that leaders can make positive change:
* create access to affordable and safe housing
* enable access to affordable childcare
* a legal system that holds perpetrators accountable
* immigration policy and practice that protects rather than punishes women without status who are fleeing abuse
* an educational curriculum that teaches both girls and boys that girls are of equal value
May be an image of one or more people and text that says '5 WAYS THAT LEADERS CAN HELP PREVENT GENDER-BASED BASED VIOLENCE 1.CREATE ACCESS TO AFFORDABLE, SAFE HOUSING 2. ENABLE ACCESS TO AFFORDABLE CHILDCARE 3. ENSURE THE LEGAL SYSTEM HOLDS PERPETRATORS ACCOUNTABLE ENACT IMMIGRATION POLICIES THAT PROTECT RATHER THAN PUNISH WOMEN WITHOUT STATUS FLEEING ABUSE 5. TEACH BOTH GIRLS AND BOYS THAT GIRLS ARE OF EQUAL VALUE'

 

 

ZONTA COMMEMORATES INTERNATIONAL DAY FOR THE ELIMINATION OF VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN 2022

Posted on 11/25/2022
On 25 November, Zonta International commemorates the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and kicks off its Zonta Says NO to Violence Against Women campaign.

Zonta International commemorates International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women 2022

One of the most widespread and persistent human rights violations in our world today, violence against women and girls (VAWG), appears in physical, sexual and psychological forms including intimate partner violence, sexual violence and harassment, child marriage, human trafficking, and female genital mutilation.

On 25 November, Zonta International commemorates the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and kicks off its Zonta Says NO to Violence Against Women campaign.

“Zonta envisions a world where no woman lives in fear of violence. Through the Zonta Says NO to Violence Against Women campaign, our members and allies stand together, uniting our voices to advocate for all those who have suffered gender-based violence,” said Zonta International President Ute Scholz. “Zonta is needed now, more than ever, to continue its work to end violence and build a better world for women and girls.”

Each year during the 16 Days of Activism to End Gender-Based Violence (25 November – 10 December), Zonta International encourages its clubs and members to join the Zonta Says NO to Violence Against Women campaign and take local, national and international actions to influence the making and implementation of laws, as well as changing gender-based attitudes and behaviors to end violence against women.

According to a UN Women report, since the pandemic began, 45% of women reported that they or a woman they know has experienced a form of VAWG; seven in 10 women said they think that verbal or physical abuse by a partner has become more common; and six in 10 felt that sexual harassment in public spaces has worsened.

On the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, Zonta calls on its members to advocate for ending gender-based violence and participate in Zonta Says NO to Violence Against Women. Share your story with us and use the hashtag #ZontaSaysNO on social media.

Together, Zonta International can help eliminate gender-based violence and build a better world for women and girls.

25 NOVEMBER 2022

 

 

Dear Fellow Zontians,                                                           Wed, Dec 8, 2021 11:57pm                     

I attach the complete list of links to the 16 YouTube videos for the 16 Day of Activism Campaign.  The Advocacy Committee thanks all those who participated and recorded a video to raise awareness of violence against women and girls.  Please be sure to “like” the videos!

Yours in Zonta,

Judith, Elspeth and Kathy

Advocacy Committee

16 DAYS ZONTA SAYS NO: Recording Date

Video Link
Day 1

25 nov

 Violence by Intimate Partners https://youtu.be/xUufdU8pex0

 
Day 2

26 nov

 Sex Trafficking of Women and Girls https://youtu.be/g5tiKCYVTTc

 
Day 3

27 nov

 Affordable Housing for Women Fleeing Violence https://youtu.be/bc58Ef_TCgM

 
Day 4

28 nov

 Financial Cost of Gender Violence to the Canadian Economy https://youtu.be/oEZ8OAaSoQ0

 
Day 5

29 nov

 Impact of Domestic Violence on Children https://youtu.be/jd03E4GmNqM

 
Day 6

30 nov

 White Ribbon Campaign https://youtu.be/a6ehZUVJJ9A

 
Day 7

1 dec

 Workplace Violence and Harassment https://youtu.be/MRBF5apttsg

 
Day 8

2 dec

 Violence Against Women Parliamentarians https://youtu.be/fKzy08yb7LY

 
Day 9

3 dec

 Three Initiatives to Help Victims of Gender Violence https://youtu.be/o4Jy4Rmh_Lw

 
Day 10

4 dec

 Violence Against Indigenous Women https://youtu.be/upECLbrvuf4

 
Day 11

5 dec

 Honour-Based Violence https://youtu.be/2ZK7mx5Z8cs

 
Day 12

6 dec

 Anniversary of the Montreal Massacre https://youtu.be/LLw3Xg46osw

 
Day 13

7 dec

 Story of Two Women Murdered by Intimate Partner https://youtu.be/ae-ArtnhJNA

 
Day 14

8 dec

 Resolving Not to be a Silent Bystander https://youtu.be/-GxTdvxaDRo

 
Day 15

9 dec

 Evidence-Based Solutions to End Gender Violence  https://youtu.be/rBRVs3NaWnI

 
Day 16

10 dec

 What We Can Do to Stop Violence Against Women and Girls https://youtu.be/S2ZGz96zsS8

 

 

16 DAYS OF ACTIVISM AGAINST GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE

25 November – 10 December 2021

https://www.zonta.org/

ISSUE IN FOCUS

Gender-based violence, or violence against women and girls, is a severe violation of human rights. Violence not only negatively affects women; it also affects their families, communities and countries. It knows no national or cultural barriers; it takes place at home, in the workplace and in open spaces, and affects millions of women and girls in peacetime and in conflict. Gender-based violence includes psychological, physical and sexual violence, and harmful practices such as intimate partner violence, sexual violence and harassment, child marriage, female genital mutilation and human trafficking, according to UN Women.

  • 35% of women worldwide have experienced either intimate partner violence or non-partner sexual violence in their lifetime.
  • 30% of women who have been in a relationship report that they have experienced some form of physical or sexual violence by their partner.
  • 38% of murders of women are committed by an intimate partner.
  • The first sexual experience of some 30 percent of women was forced. 45% of those under 15 at the time of their sexual initiation report the experience was forced.
  • Children who grow up in families where there is violence may suffer a range of behavioral and emotional disturbances. These can also be associated with perpetrating or experiencing violence later in life.

 ZONTA IN ACTION

Zonta International envisions a world in which no woman lives in fear of violence. For 100 years, we have contributed to help achieve a world free of violence against women and girls through service and advocacy. Though many countries have laws against domestic violence, sexual assault and other forms of gender-based violence, there are challenges in implementing these laws.

We have a history of partnering with United Nations agencies or recognized NGOs on programs that promote and protect the human rights of all women and girls and reduce the incidence of violence. Zonta International currently supports the Global Programme to End Child Marriage, which brings together governments, civil society, families and young people in a collective effort to prevent girls from marrying too young and to support those already married as girls. Read more about the projects we have supported through the Zonta International Strategies to end Violence Against Women program.

Our ongoing advocacy impact is built around the Zonta Says NO to Violence Against Women advocacy campaign. Launched in 2012, the campaign has raised awareness of the global pandemic of women’s rights violations and has united Zonta clubs worldwide in conducting impactful advocacy actions to fight violence against women and gender inequality.

During the 16 Days of Activism, 25 November-10 December, all Zonta clubs and districts are encouraged to take part in the Zonta Says NO to Violence Against Women campaign and to take local, national and international actions to influence the making and implementation of laws, as well as changing gender-based attitudes and behaviors to end violence against women.

Throughout the year, we  encourage our members to take advocacy actions that work to promote the human rights of women, promote Sustainable Development Goal No. 5 “Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls” and end violence against women and girls.

………………………………………………………

Online Summit    https://zontasaysno.com/online-summit/

Tuesday, 30 November 2021

Zonta International is hosting a one-day online summit to share how as a society we can come together and say NO to violence against women and girls. Join us to hear live guest speakers, participate in an interactive workshop and leave with life-changing actions you can take. Together, we can make the world safer for women and girls now and in future generations.

https://zontasaysno.com/

16 DAYS OF ACTIVISM AGAINST GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE

25 November – 10 December 2020

During the 16 Days of Activism, all Zonta clubs and districts are encouraged

to take part in the Zonta Says NO to Violence Against Women campaign.

INTERNATIONAL DAY FOR THE ELIMINATION OF VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN

25 November 2020

In 1999, the United Nations General Assembly designated 25 November as the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, and invited governments, international organizations and NGOs to organize activities designed to raise public awareness of the problem on that day.

HUMAN RIGHTS DAY

10 December 2020

Human Rights Day commemorates the day on which, in 1948, the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

Thank you to all, especially GRAN for inviting Members of Zonta Club of Ottawa to be there for the lighting of the Heritage Building in orange.

GRAN was out last night to see the Ottawa Heritage building lit in orange to mark the beginning of the UNite 16 Days of Action against Gender Based Violence. Thanks to Councillor Theresa Kavanaugh, Hydro Ottawa, and the City of Ottawa. #16DaysofActivism2020 #OrangeTheWorld, #EndViolenceAgainstWomen

Hydro Ottawa is proud to support the GRAN Orange Campaign to help put an end to gender-based violence. Yesterday, the city lit the Heritage Building orange to raise awareness over the next #16Days. #OrangeTheWorld #ottcity @SayNO_UNiTE @tm_kavanagh @GRANadvocates Orange heart

Nov. 25th >  Beginning tonight, #OttCity’s Heritage Building will be illuminated in orange until Dec. 10 to mark the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence. Help bring awareness and encourage people to call for the prevention and elimination of violence against women and girls.

Thank you to all City of Ottawa Councillors who voted on this!

…Councillors Jenna Sudds and Glen Gower proposed several creative sanctions against Chiarelli and ways to direct his pay cheques, all unanimously backed by council. Chiarelli’s suspended salary will continue to be sent to organizations that help survivors of domestic assault or sexual assault…
(this section copy/pasted from Ottawa Citizen)    Jon Willing Publishing date: Nov 25, 2020

Status of Women Canada

16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence (Nov. 25 – Dec. 10)

https://cfc-swc.gc.ca/commemoration/vaw-vff/index-en.html

16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence

2020 UNiTE Campaign Theme:

“Orange the World: Fund, Respond, Prevent, Collect!”

https://www.unwomen.org/en/what-we-do/ending-violence-against-women/take-action/16-days-of-activism

UNITE To end violence against women
The UN System’s 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence activities, from 25 November to 10 December, will take place under our 2020 global theme: “Orange the World: Fund, Respond, Prevent, Collect!”

As the world retreated inside homes due to the lockdown measures introduced to curb the COVID-19 pandemic, reports showed an alarming increase in the already existing pandemic of violence against women.

“Accompanying the crisis has been a spike in domestic violence reporting, at exactly the time that services, including rule of law, health and shelters, are being diverted to address the pandemic,” stated the UN Secretary-General’s report, “Shared Responsibility, Global Solidarity: Responding to the socio-economic impacts of COVID-19“.

You can make a difference during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and protracted state of crisis it has generated across the world. You can support women and girl survivors of violence to stay safe and free of violence. Take action during this year’s 16 Days of Activism to End Gender-Based Violence. For more information about “Orange the World: Fund, Respond, Prevent, Collect!” and action ideas, see this year’s concept note.

The 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence is an annual international campaign that kicks off on 25 November, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, and runs until 10 December, Human Rights Day. It was started by activists at the inaugural Women’s Global Leadership Institute in 1991 and continues to be coordinated each year by the Center for Women’s Global Leadership. It is used as an organizing strategy by individuals and organizations around the world to call for the prevention and elimination of violence against women and girls.

In support of this civil society initiative, under the leadership of the UN Secretary-General, António Guterres, the United Nations Secretary-General’s UNiTE by 2030 to End Violence against Women campaign (UNiTE campaign) calls for global actions to increase awareness, galvanize advocacy efforts, and share knowledge and innovations.

Orange the World Campaign

https://en.unesco.org/commemorations/eliminationofviolenceagainstwomenday/orangetheworld

  1. About

Violence against women and girls is one of the most widespread, persistent and devastating human rights violations in our world today and is a threat to millions of girls and women online and offline. It affects women regardless of their age, background, or level of education. This violence takes many forms, including physical, sexual, or psychological violence, as well as economic abuse and exploitation.

The 16 days between 25 November, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, and 10 December, Human Rights Day, are known as the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence Campaign(link is external), a time to galvanize action to end violence against women and girls around the world. This year, as the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women falls on a Sunday, UNESCO will start observing the day on Friday, 23 November, and will mark the 16 Days of Activism through a series of events under the overall theme: “UNESCO says NO to violence against women”.

  1. Events
  • Orange the globe

25 November has been designed as the Orange Day by the UNiTE to End Violence against Women Campaign(link is external). The color orange symbolizes a brighter future, free of violence. It also serves as a means of demonstrating your solidarity in eliminating all forms of violence and it is therefore used as the color of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. As a show of solidarity, the UNESCO globe will be illuminated in orange.

  • Exhibition

On the occasion of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, UNESCO has organized an exhibition presenting the scope and depth of violence against women around the world, as well as initiatives that UNESCO undertakes in order to address this phenomenon. The exhibition will start on 23 November and will extend throughout the 16 Days of Activism.

The exhibition may be viewed here

  • Social Campaign

UNESCO staff will participate in a group picture using umbrellas to say NO to violence against women, which will be used for advocacy and awareness raising. UNESCO Field Offices will also share pictures across all social media.

Check the pictures here (link is external)

UNESCO invites everybody to post their photos on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram accounts for the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women by including the hashtags #OrangeTheWorld #25Nov #IDEVAW and tagging UNESCO. Contributors may submit photos and/or videos saying “No to violence against women”, preferably featuring the symbolic umbrella. Remember to wear a touch of orange.

You can download our social media pack, which includes visuals and messages, including a frame for your pictures. Please share this information with your networks and help spread the word about this global issue.

Why Umbrellas?

Under an umbrella, we stand united to fight physical, verbal and emotional violence, both online and offline and SAY NO TO VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN.

https://16dayscampaign.org/downloadable-campaign-graphics/

Women’s Event Network / Réseau d’événements pour femmes

@WomensEventNetwork  · Community Organization
National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women. Virtual Vigil December at 6:00 p.m. It can be accessed at  www.facebook.com/womenseventnetwork
Although there will not be an in-person vigil this year, we welcome visitors to bring a real or handmade rose to the Women’s Monument located at Minto Park (102 Lewis St, Ottawa, ON K2P 0S7) throughout the day.
If possible, please take a photo of yourself placing your rose onto the monument and post it on social media with the #Dec6, #Dec62020, #16days, #ÉcolePolytechnique, #NotForgotten.
For those attending, please practice physical distancing.
Organized by the Ottawa Women’s Event Network

 

2019

16 Days of Activism

Against Gender-Based Violence

Lighting of City Hall with Ottawa GRANs

Zonta Club of Ottawa Members with ‘GRAN’ Members

(GRAN initiated oranging of Ottawa City Hall)

The 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence is a global campaign, spearheaded by Rutgers University and coordinated in Canada by Women in International Security Canada (WIIS-Canada).

The Campaign was launched in 1991 and runs annually from November 25 (International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women) until December 10 (International Human Rights Day). Since its inception, it has become the most widely recognized and longest-running campaign for women’s rights in the world. Feminists in the 1990s achieved a truly monumental breakthrough when they secured the formal recognition of women’s rights as human rights, and of violence against women as a human rights violation. This work continues, in new ways, as gender-based violence continues unabated.

What Can I Do?

Three categories of things you can do to help end gender-based violence are:

  • Prevention
    • Promote gender equal norms and violence-free environments in schools
    • Support programs that help men to change violent behavior
    • Request “safe cities”: design/lighting of public spaces, safe public transportation, etc.
  • Protection
    • Request One-Stop Centers with medical/legal/social help for victims
    • Promote short-term shelters and long-term affordable housing for women and children
    • Support vocational training for victims to become self-supporting
  • Prosecution
    • Request laws that clearly blame perpetrators, not victims
    • Encourage reporting of violence and give support to victims during legal processes
    • Promote training of police and legal professionals to understand the issues.

What have we done?

Each year, our club supports and participates in initiatives and events around the city. Below is a recounting of our efforts each year:

2018

For the 2018 edition, the Campaign worked under the theme “Ending Gender-Based Violence in the World of Work” with a particular focus on the adoption of legally-binding international standards to eliminate gender-based violence in the workplace.

Gender-based violence is a major obstacle to empowering women and girls, especially in the context of work environments. The Canadian feminist foreign policy can provide a positive impetus to advocate for the elimination of such obstacles and to sustain Canada’s efforts both at home and abroad.

The 2018 theme was Orange the World: #HearMeToo.

See the annual summary HERE.

Scope

The 16 Days Canada Campaign has grown significantly since it began in 2014. The 2018 edition featured a record of 58 events and activities on the national calendar, including 15 initiatives with daily frequencies. The launch was marked on Monday November 26 by the illumination of the Heritage Building at Ottawa’s City Hall, an activity organized by the Grandmothers’ Advocacy Network (GRAN) and WIIS-Canada. A range of unique activities took place during the campaign, including a youth circle, a women safety workshop, a kickboxing class, art installations, a signature campaign and book clubs. Expert panels, moderated discussions, donation booths, whiteboard campaigns, roundtables, healthy love talks and lectures, vigils and candle light marches were also held in the program. Our partners reported more than 1,250 people attending activities in the provinces and territories of Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Ontario, Quebec and Yukon Territory.

Some of the activities also promoted the UNiTE (orange) Campaign led by the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN Women), such as the events featuring Ms. Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, Executive Director of UN Women and Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations, held at the University of Ottawa and in Parliament Hill, as well as an event at Ottawa’s City Hall that culminated with a municipal proclamation. Online activities like blog posts, online artworks, social media takeovers, stats and tips, awareness campaigns, a resource ‘zine, Facebook live events, webinars and website launches such as Sheltersafe.ca were also part of the Campaign. WIIS-Canada’s social media portals reached a total of 12,291 people on Facebook (number of people who saw contents by the page or about the page) and almost 89,200 impressions were measured on twitter (5,575 impressions per day). Partners reported significant engagements on their social media platforms, extending the impact of 16 days Canada even further.

Launch of the 16 Days Canada Campaign and UNiTED Campaign
Illumination of the Heritage Building at Ottawa’s City Hall
Organizers: Grandmothers Advocacy Network and WIIS-Canada

On Monday, November 26, members of the organizing committee for Ottawa’s  16 Days of Activism met at City Hall where the Old Historic Building on Elgin Street turned Orange and Purple… The lighting of the building was organized by the Grandmothers Advocacy Network (GRAN) and the Women in International Security Canada (WIIS-CANADA).

On hand to launch Ottawa’s 16 Days of Activism at Ottawa City Hall, Monday, November 26, 2018

Guest speaker was Diane Deans, an inspiring example of women making a difference in City Politics. Ms Deans is a member of Ottawa City Council, representing Gloucester-Southgate Ward in the city’s southeast, home to more than 49,500 residents.

The theme for Ottawa days will include Activism Against Gender Based Violence in the Workplace.  Be sure to join the many activities planned and most of all check in to social media. Building awareness is one of the main thrusts this year with messages appearing daily on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

The Zonta Club of Ottawa joins Zontians world-wide in expressing the need to stop Violence Against Women during the 16 days of Activism.

2017

What a group of days the Zonta Club of Ottawa experienced! Planning began months before. President Cindy O’Neil compiled over two dozen events being held in Ottawa for Zontians to attend.

Orange Scarves: Our November meeting, held on the 23rd November saw a beehive of activity.  Cindy O’Neil purchased a bolt of orange fleece and Lynda Pearson and Shirley Mack brought their cutting equipment.  At the end of the evening, we had a dozen orange scarves ready for distribution!

Leslie Lawson had purchased a dozen orange taper candles to be used at the opening ceremonies.  Leslie also presented a large 4’X6’ Zonta Club of Ottawa, Ontario, banner for us to use.  We also reviewed a calendar of Ottawa events from which members could choose those events that mean the most to them.

November 25-December 10: Prem Grainger posted a pertinent message each day on our Facebook page for individuals within and outside the club to share and spread the message.

Conclusion: the Zonta Club of Ottawa, Ontario is proud to have taken action during the 16 Days of Activism following the directive of Zonta International, “During the 16 Days of Activism, 25 November-10 December, all Zonta clubs and districts are encouraged to take part in the Zonta Says NO to Violence Against Women campaign and to take local, national and international actions to influence the making and implementation of laws, as well as changing gender-based attitudes and behaviors to end violence against women.”

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