November 24th, 2023

Saturday, November 25, is the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. It was first designated by the UN General Assembly in 1981. November 25 was chosen to honour the lives of three political activists from the Dominican Republic. The Mirabal sisters were murdered under the order of the country’s ruler in 1960.

Understanding The Impact Of Violence Against Women

These widespread and devastating human rights violations remain largely unreported due to:

  • Silence
  • Stigma
  • Shame
  • Impunity

One in three women experience physical or sexual violence in their lifetime, mostly by an intimate partner.

Unfortunately, COVID-19 has further worsened this issue:

  • Data shows an increase in calls to domestic violence helplines in many countries
  • The social and economic fallout from the pandemic is pushing women and girls:
    • Into poverty
    • Toward a higher risk of violence

Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirit People (MMIWG2S)

The Final Report of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls reveals the root cause behind Canada’s staggering rates of violence against Indigenous:

  • Women
  • Girls
  • 2SLGBTQQIA+ people

The report identified the cause to be persistent and deliberate human and Indigenous rights violations and abuses. The two volume report calls for transformative legal and social changes to resolve the crisis that has devastated Indigenous communities across the country.

The National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women

Canada observes the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women on December 6. This day was designated by Parliament in remembrance of the women who were murdered during the tragic mass shooting at Polytechnique Montréal on December 6, 1989. Visit this Government of Canada website to learn the names of the murdered women and ways to honour their memory.

16 Days of Activism Against Gender-based Violence

November 25 also marks the launch of the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence. This campaign began in 1991 to call out and speak up against GBV, and to renew the commitment to ending violence against women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ individuals. The movement culminates December 10, 2023, which is World Human Rights Day.

Committed to Upholding Human Rights

The WRDSB is committed to ensuring equitable treatment of all:

  • Students
  • Staff
  • Parents and caregivers
  • Community members

We will treat all individuals with respect and dignity so they may reach their full potential.

The WRDSB is dedicated to providing schools and workplaces that are welcoming, inclusive, caring and safe. Part of doing this means establishing an environment free of discrimination, oppression and harassment, including freedom of gender identity or gender expression.

Learn more – Understanding Our Human Rights Policy: For Students and Families