Join us for all 16 Days of Activism and learn how to get involved.

The 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence is an annual international campaign that takes place from November 25 to December 10. For many years, Sage Haven Society has shared this campaign with the residents of Port Alberni and supported women and children impacted by gender-based violence through a variety of programs and services. This year’s theme for Canada’s 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence is “Listen. Learn. Act.” 

What do we mean by Listen. Learn. Act?

We encourage you to Listen to both survivors sharing their experiences and the workers and experts supporting them on the front lines.   

To take the time and opportunities to LEARN by gaining knowledge about Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and how to recognize it taking place around you. Overcome biases and falsehood by obtaining factual information from reputable sources and discover how you can help prevent GBV.

Of course, we hope you will also take time to ACT. Take what you have learned and apply it. Get involved by sharing, making a donation to your local women’s shelter organization, volunteering your time, or through the suggestions we will be posting on social media during the next 16 days on how you can get involved.

Did you know that the 16 days of Activism begin and end on two important dates?

November 25 marks the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. The primary objective of this day is to foster awareness and drive efforts to eradicate various forms of violence against women, encompassing domestic violence, sexual harassment, human trafficking, and other manifestations of gender-based violence. Additionally, the campaign seeks to advocate for the rights of women and advance the cause of gender equality. The date was selected to commemorate the Mirabal Sisters, three Dominican political activists who were brutally assassinated in 1960

The campaign ends on December 10, Human Rights Day. On December 10, 1948, the United Nations General Assembly made a historic global commitment by adopting the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Human Rights Day, celebrated annually, serves as a poignant reminder of the vital need to safeguard the basic rights and freedoms of all individuals, irrespective of their race, nationality, religion, or any other differentiating factors.

In Canada, another important day occurs during the 16 Days of Activism: National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women on December 6. This day serves as a commemoration of a heart-wrenching incident in Canadian history. It marks the anniversary of a horrifying act of violence that took place on December 6, 1989, at École Polytechnique in Montreal, Quebec. During this tragic event, 14 young women were specifically targeted and lost their lives in a gender-based attack. The significance of this date lies in its solemn reminder of the persisting problem of violence against women and girls.

Join us as we mark the 16 Days of Activism for 2023 by taking a moment to follow our social media profiles, where we will be sharing daily posts to help you “Listen. Learn. Act.” from November 25 through December 10.

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Thank you for joining us and making a difference locally in the Alberni Valley.