Vancouver Island University is encouraging awareness, action and accountability in the effort to eliminate gender-based violence.
The 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaign began Nov. 25, International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, and continues through Dec. 10, World Human Rights Day.
At VIU, there is a video project related to the campaign and awareness lighting, and a vigil is planned for Dec. 6, National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women.
The video project, in its second year, is being organized by the VIU Faculty Association’s status of women committee. Organizers will share videos from individuals and community organizations on the topic of eliminating gender-based violence.
“Ultimately, we aim to spark a desire to know and to do better here and now. Many of the issues surrounding gender-based violence are obviously very difficult to talk about, but we have a tremendous community of people, with diverse expertise, skill sets and backgrounds, who can and do guide us to become better informed for life-changing and life-saving conversation, advocacy and action,” said Melissa Stephens, VIUFA status of women committee chairperson, in a press release. “It is up to us, individually, to step up and commit to change.”
The university is illuminating a section of VIU’s Nanaimo campus quad in orange light to match the United Nations’ branding for its 16 days of activism campaign.
At VIU’s Malaspina Theatre on Dec. 6 a 10 a.m., there will be a vigil to honour and remember the 14 women killed at Montreal’s École Polytechnique in 1989.
“Invited guest speakers will reflect on histories of violence and on pathways to a safer and more hopeful future,” noted the press release.
For more information, visit http://news.viu.ca/16-days-campaign-calls-community-members-speak-gender-based-violence.
EDITORIAL: Make spaces safe from gender-based violence
editor@nanaimobulletin.com
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