Each year from November 25 to December 10, we recognize globally the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence.

This international campaign first began in 1991 to call out and speak up against gender-based violence, asking supporters to renew their commitment to ending violence against women, girls, and 2SLGBTQIA+ communities.

Key dates

Within the 16 days of activism, there are three notable dates.

November 25: International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women
This day commemorates the lives of the Mirabal sisters from the Dominican Republic who were violently assassinated in 1960.

December 6: National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women
This day honours the 14 women killed in the Polytechnique Montréal on December 6, 1989.

December 10: Human Rights Day
This day marks the anniversary of the United Nations adoption and proclamation of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights on December 10, 1948.

How Canada’s unions are marking the occasion

Canada’s unions, led by the Canadian Labour Congress, commemorates the 16 Days of Activism by drawing attention to the gender-based violence that workers experience every day.

This year’s campaign theme is, “Unions Rise Up Against Gender-Based Violence” and celebrates the work that unions are doing to end-gender based violence and harassment at work and in our communities.

Canada’s unions are calling on all levels of government to make work safer for everyone by implementing ILO C-190, the world’s first global treaty to eliminate violence and harassment in the world of work, and to conduct a national public awareness campaign about third-party violence and harassment.

Take Action

• RSVP for the Nov 27 Webinar: The CLC will highlight union led wins that address gender-based violence at work and in our communities
• Government of Canada Resources: 16 Days of Activism Website, Test Your Knowledge Quiz, Supporting Youth, Resources for Youth
• Read about Amber Czech
• Watch: My Name was January
• Donate to the Salal Sexual Violence Support Centre
• Attend the End Violence Against Women 14th Annual Candlelight Vigil on Saturday, December 6 in Surrey, or another vigil in your community. If you cannot make it out to an event, help spread awareness by sharing MoveUP’s post naming the women killed in the Polytechnique Montréal on December 6, 1989.
• Take the Respect at Work survey
• Visit the CLC’s website showcasing research on violence and harassment at work
• Tell the Government: #Act4QueerSafety

Gender-Based Violence Facts (from CLC research)

• Gender diverse workers (82%) and women (76%) experience higher rates of harassment and violence at work compared to their colleagues.
• A recent report on harassment and violence at Canadian workplaces revealed 843 reported occurrences of third-party (i.e. clients, patients, customers, etc.) violence and harassment in 2022, a 41% increase from 2021.