Because health leaders and workers are essential for identifying, aiding and empowering victims of gender-based violence, and are often the first point of contact for survivors. Health leaders can also contribute to the implementation and development of appropriate guidelines, policies and legislations to help victims of gender-based violence.

Violence against women and girls is one of the most widespread and devastating human rights violations today.

Recent statistics by UN Women show that 2 of 3 women report that they or someone they know experienced some type of violence and only 1 of 10 women go to the police for help.

Violence manifests in physical, sexual and psychological forms, including but not limited to:
- Intimate partner violence
- Sexual violence and harassment
- Human trafficking
- Female genital mutilation
- Child marriage

The psychological, reproductive and sexual health consequences caused by violence against women and girls affect their access to education and the labor market - a reality true all over the world, including Canada.

How can you help end the violence?

By adopting comprehensive and inclusive approaches to tackle the root causes, transform harmful gender norms, and empower women and girls.

JOIN US in this campaign to spread awareness amongst future health leaders and let's UNITE to End Violence against Women. Participate in our 16 days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence (GBV) as we increase awareness, promote advocacy and create opportunities for discussion on challenges and solutions. International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women on November 25 marks the launch of this campaign and it continues until December 10, International Human Rights Day.

Check out the GALLERY BELOW to check out all information related to this campaign!

Themes we explore:
- Day 1: General Awareness
- Day 2: Shadow Pandemic - Influence of Covid19 on GBV
- Day 3: Genocide in Canada - GBV in Indigenous populations
- Day 4: Silenced, Understudied and Underrepresented - GBV and Black women
- Day 5: Created by Violence - GBV and Women with Disabilities
- Day 6: Being LGBTQ2+ and GBV
- Day 7: Link between HIV/AIDS and GBV
- Day 8: GBV link with Traumatic Brain Injury
- Day 9: Obstetric Violence and GBV
- Day 10: GBV on Health Workers
- Day 11: The Hard Facts: Shocking Statistics
- Day 12: GBV and Femicide
- Day 13: How GBV impacts Mental Health
- Day 14: Broken System: Limitations of the Legal and Correctional System
- Day 15: GBV and Cyberviolence
- Day 16: Human trafficking
*For sources and more info, check out our "Sources and Further Readings" page
** NOTE: GBV against both women and men are human rights violations. Here we explore the impact on different populations of women since they are the most at risk of GBV


If you or someone you know are experiencing abuse or gender-based violence, here are some help-lines in Canada:
> Assaulted Women's Helpline - Toll Free: 1-866-863-0511
> Fem'aide (French) - Toll Free: 1-877-336-2433
> Talk4Healing (Indigenous) - Toll Free: 1-855-554-4325