16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence

This message is being sent on behalf of Nikki Samuel, director, Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion. Please direct inquiries to Tyler Creces, sexual violence educator and support co-ordinator, Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion.

The Durham College (DC) community is invited to participate in this year’s 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaign, from Thursday, November 25 (International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women) to Friday, December 10 (World Human Rights Day).

What is gender-based violence?

“Gender-based violence involves the use and abuse of power and control over another person and is perpetrated against someone based on their gender identity, gender expression or perceived gender. Violence against women and girls is one form of gender-based violence. It also has a disproportionate impact on LGBTQ2 (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning, intersex and two-spirit) and gender non-conforming people.” (Status of Women Canada, 2018)

The Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion will be hosting two virtual sessions to engage in pivotal discussions that focus on the practical steps and actions we can take to create an inclusive environment for all in our respective communities:

16 to 365: Awareness to Action
Emerging data and reports during the COVID-19 pandemic highlight the significant increase in gender-based violence which continues to strain the health care system, essential services and frontline workers. While supporting marginalized communities impacted by gender-based violence, many of those providing frontline care and support services have felt the strain on their mental health and ability to work effectively. This session explores the signs of burnout, stress and compassion fatigue, addresses ways to strengthen resilience and offers self-compassion tools and strategies for those providing support to our communities.

When: Thursday, November 25 from 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Please register in advance to participate.

Anti-Blackness in Gender Justice Movements
This webinar will look at the colonial roots of gender-based violence within Black communities and takes an intersectional Black-feminist approach to discussing survivor believability and support services within post-secondary environments. This session will introduce and explore the concepts of misogynoir, texturism, colourism, disability justice and anti-2sLGBTQQIA violence and its impact on Black communities. Participants will explore their role and responsibilities in promoting environments that address the intersections of anti-Black racism and gender-based violence.

When: Monday, December 6 from 12 p.m. to 1:15 p.m.

Please register in advance to participate.

The DC community is invited to join the conversation and participate in the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaign facilitated on social media. Follow along on Instagram with @yesmeansyesatdc.

To learn more about how gender-based violence continues to impact our communities and how we can be allies in the fight against it, please visit 16dayscampaign.org/.