“End violence against women now!”

The 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence is an annual international campaign that runs from November 25, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, to December 10, Human Rights Day. Established in 1991, the campaign calls attention to gender-based violence and reaffirms a global commitment to ending violence against women, girls, and 2SLGBTQI+ individuals.

The International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women was officially designated in 1999 by the United Nations General Assembly. November 25 was chosen to honour the memory of the Mirabal sisters of the Dominican Republic, who were brutally assassinated in 1960. This day commemorates their lives and serves as a powerful reminder of the ongoing need to address and prevent gender-based violence worldwide.

Human Rights Day marks the anniversary of the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights by the United Nations General Assembly on December 10, 1948. This landmark document outlines fundamental rights that are meant to be universally protected and remains a cornerstone of international human rights law. It has been translated into more than 500 languages and holds the Guinness World Record as the most translated document in history.

In Canada, the 16 Days of Activism also include the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women on December 6. This day honours the women who lost their lives during the mass shooting at Polytechnique Montréal in 1989 and calls for continued action to prevent gender-based violence.

You can show your support for this worldwide campaign by visiting market square sometime during the 16 Days of Activism and posting a selfie with a pledge for saying NO to violence against women and girls #16Days #ZontaSaysNo #ZontaGuelph. Make sure to tag @ZontaGuelph and @TheCityofGuelph, so we can see and share your support. Keep checking our socials for events that you can get involved with. 

16 Days and 16 Pledges:

#IPledge to never commit, condone, or remain silent about gender-based violence.

 #IPledge to advocate for women’s right to equal pay for equal work and for workplaces built on respect.

#IPledge to listen to and elevate the voices of women. I will ask how I can be an ally in preventing violence.

#IPledge to reflect on my own experiences and attitudes, and to educate myself on issues related to power, privilege and accountability.

 #IPledge to share the chores and childcare equally and willingly with my partner. I commit to modeling gender-equitable, nonviolent relationships for my kids.

 #IPledge to champion women’s leadership and advancement, and to break down stereotypes or obstacles that challenge this progress.

 #IPledge to supporting paid parental leave for all genders, and to take it. When both parents take leave, it supports equality at work and at home.

 #IPledge to respect women’s right to make autonomous decisions about their bodies and sexuality without discrimination.

 #IPledge to form a caring, nonviolent bond with my child or another child in my life. I commit to being a positive role model.

 #IPledge to never tolerate any form of violence or exploitation of children or adolescents.

 #IPledge to always use dialogue and respect, never violence.

 #IPledge to break free of gender stereotypes, to define my own way to have a positive impact, and to respect every person and their self-expression.

 #IPledge to challenge sexist, homophobic, and transphobic attitudes and to support equal rights and opportunities for all people.

 #IPledge to speak up if my friends treat women badly or promote violence. I will speak out against sexist jokes, misogyny, and rape culture.

 #IPledge to support children’s education equally, regardless of gender, and to teach them about healthy, respectful, nonviolent relationships from an early age.

 #IPledge to advocate for an end to sexist, violence-supportive messages in media and advertising.