#16DaysUW
Gender-based violence in a local, national, and global issue.
16 Days is used as an organizing strategy by governments, organizations, communities, and individuals around the globe call for the prevention and elimination of violence against women and girls and show support and solidarity with women’s rights activists and mobilizers advancing gender equity.
Awareness-raising is central to our work in addressing gender-based violence – here are some starting points, drawing from the United Nation’s Declaration on the Elimination of Violence Against Women.
Each year, SVPRO and the University of Waterloo join forces with campus partners, Kitchener-Waterloo organizations, various government levels, and communities worldwide to participate in the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence. This year’s theme, “Come Together, Act Now,” emphasizes the importance of involving everyone in Canada, particularly men and boys, in changing social norms, attitudes, and behaviors that contribute to gender-based violence. The campaign reminds us that we each have a role in ending gender-based violence (GBV) through our everyday actions and commitments.
The Sexual Violence Prevention and Response Office (SVPRO) is honoring the 16 Days of Activism, an annual international campaign beginning on November 25, International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, and concluding on December 10, Human Rights Day. SVPRO will host events and initiatives across campus to stand together in support of those affected by GBV. We hope to see you at these activities, demonstrating solidarity and sharing our commitment to change.
Founded in 1991, this campaign calls for accountability and action in preventing violence against women, girls, and 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals. International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1999 and marked each year on November 25 to commemorate the Mirabal sisters of the Dominican Republic, who were assassinated in 1960 for their activism. Their legacy lives on, urging a global call to end GBV. Human Rights Day, on December 10, marks the anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, a milestone document translated into over 500 languages, holding the Guinness World Record as the most translated document globally. In Canada, December 6 is also observed as the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women, honoring the women lost in the tragic Polytechnique Montréal shooting in 1989.
16 Days Events
Booth
November 24
11AM – 3PM
Student Life Centre (SLC) across the Food Court
Booth
November 26
11AM – 3PM
Student Life Centre (SLC) across the Food Court
In collaboration with the Coalition of Muslim Women Kitchener-Waterloo
Gender-Based Violence in the Legal System — STAFF & FACULTY *NEW*
November 25
10AM - 12PM
Register here
About: SVPRO, Women's Crisis Services, and the WRPS IPV unit will explore gender-based violence within the legal system: to learn options for reporting intimate-partner violence and sexual violence, to be educated on support services offered for survivors of IPV and SV, and to inform on mandatory charging related to IPV and SV as it relates to the family violence project.
Love Island Workshop — STUDENTS, STAFF & FACULTY *NEW*
November 26
6 - 7:30 PM
STC 0050
Register here
About: Join us for an interactive and fun workshop where we take a closer look at the real behaviors, choices, and relationship dynamics from Love Island USA Season 7 and explore what they can teach us about love and healthy relationships in real life. Together, we will look at moments from the show to identify key concepts like healthy communication, respect and boundary setting. Breaking these moments down into green flags, red flags, and everything in between, to learn what healthy relationships can look like outside the villa. Whether you are a Love Island fan or just curious about navigating relationships with more confidence and clarity, this session offers a relaxed and relatable space to learn, reflect, and connect.
Craft & Chill: A Relaxing Creative Escape
December 4 & 5
11AM – 3PM
SLC Multi-Purpose Room
About: Take a break from the grind with Chill & Craft: A Relaxing Creative Escape! Join us for an afternoon of crafting, doodling, and hands-on maker space activities designed to help you unwind, spark creativity, and recharge in a calming atmosphere. No experience necessary - just bring yourself and enjoy the chill vibes!
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