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16 Days of Activism Against Gender-based Violence

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The 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-based Violence is an annual international campaign that begins on November 25, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, and goes until December 10, Human Rights Day. This campaign started in 1991 to call out and speak up on gender-based violence, and to renew our commitment to ending violence against women, girls, and 2SLGBTQI+ individuals.

The International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women was designated in 1999 by the United Nations General Assembly. The date of November 25 was chosen to commemorate the lives of the Mirabal sisters from the Dominican Republic who were violently assassinated in 1960. The day pays tribute to them and urges global recognition of gender-based violence.

Human Rights Day honours the date the United Nations General Assembly's adopted and proclaimed the Universal Declaration of Human Rights on December 10, 1948. This document sets out fundamental human rights to be universally protected. It is a milestone in the history of human rights, and has been translated in over 500 languages, holding the Guinness World Record as the most translated document.

In Canada, we also observe the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women during the 16 Days to remember the women who were murdered during the tragic mass shooting at Polytechnique Montréal on December 6, 1989.

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What is gender-based violence?

Learn about gender-based violence, who it affects and how it’s defined.

2023 campaign of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-based Violence

From November 25 to December 10, the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-based Violence are a time to both reflect on violence against women and to take action to end it.

National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women

Honour the lives lost on December 6, 1989 and learn more about what you can do to end gender-based violence.

Seek help

Access information on ways to seek help.

Learning toolkit

Access tools, activities and resources to educate and prevent gender-based violence.

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