National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women: Gender Based Violence
On the sixth day of the Ignite Change Global Convention, the solemn topic of Gender-Based Violence resonated through a series of compelling sessions exploring the intersectional factors influencing experiences of violence, how family law continues to advance victims’ rights in situations of gender-based violence, and redefining how offending partners are supported in breaking cycles of violence and intergenerational trauma. Working with our co-host the Indo-Canadian Women’s Association, the program intended to strengthen collective energy on the National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence (NAP). Collaboration with Ending Violence Association helped us start the day with a team of policy experts unpacking the NAP and emphasizing the need for a collective commitment to supporting violence survivors and their families.
Writers, journalists, and their allies were equipped with tools to ensure their safety online through several practical workshops, fostering a community of resilience and support in the face of increasing cyber abuse. The JHC’s own Social Stride youth program engaged a younger audience on the complexities of Canada’s colonial past and its present-day implications, encouraging a deeper understanding of the layers of oppression that persist in digital spaces.
In the day’s final session, participants gathered to honour the voices of women human rights defenders. A panel featuring distinguished Women Human Rights Defenders from Syria, Yemen, and Afghanistan hosted by SHE Associates highlighted their courage and vital contributions to peace and justice, emphasizing the risks faced in the unwavering commitment to human rights.
Together, these sessions formed a narrative of resilience, reflection, and the collective quest for justice, underscoring the urgent need for action against gender-based violence and the empowerment of all survivors.
We encourage you to spend some time exploring some or all of the fascinating and important presentations from Day 6 of the Ignite Change Global Convention, found below. Each presentation and the folks behind them contribute to building a stronger, more equitable, and barrier-free Canada.
Ignite Change Day 6 presentation playlist
Click on the + to the right to expand each presentation and access the YouTube recording.