Committee
Keeping ourselves and our neighbours safe during big events like the World Cup
June 9, 2026
To: All MoveUP members
As excitement builds around cities across Canada for the upcoming FIFA World Cup matches, your Women & Gender Rights Committee wants to take this opportunity to encourage you, your families, and our communities, to keep yourself and those around you safe.
Large events and celebrations like the World Cup can create incredible opportunities for connection and community. This is not only limited to the cities hosting games – Vancouver and Toronto – but in communities across Canada as well, many of which will be hosting local watch parties. We can also expect many cities to have an influx of visiting guests.
These large events, however, can also create environments where sexual and gender-based violence, harassment, discrimination and unsafe situations occur.
We believe everyone deserves to celebrate safely. Here are some ways you can keep yourself and others safe:
- Make plans with your friends, family or colleagues to check in with each other during events.
- Share your transportation plans and ensure everyone has a safe ride home.
- Trust your instincts! If a situation feels unsafe, seek help or leave when possible.
- Watch out for those with and around you. Intervene and support if it is safe to do so.
- Respect boundaries, consent and personal space at all times.
- If you witness harassment or unsafe behaviour, report it to the appropriate authorities.
Safety is everyone’s responsibility. MoveUP will continue to advocate for spaces where everyone, including women, gender-diverse people, 2SLGBTQIA+ people, people from racialized communities, and visitors to our city, can join in the fun without fear.
If you are in Vancouver, please visit Soccer — Good Night Out Vancouver for additional information.
Christy Slusarenko, Chair
Women & Gender Rights Committee,