On Monday, Dec. 6 at 11 a.m., the York University community is invited to a virtual memorial ceremony to mark the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women. The ceremony will honour those lost to gender-based violence. The event will also provide an opportunity to reflect on a community-wide commitment to take action to end gender-based violence.
The memorial is made possible through a collaboration involving The Centre for Sexual Violence Response, Support & Education (The Centre), the York Federation of Students, The Community Safety Department, the Centre for Human Rights, Equity and Inclusion, the Centre for Aboriginal Student Services, Glendon College Student Union, Student Counselling, Health & Well-Being and the Lassonde School of Engineering.
It is supported by President and Vice Chancellor Rhonda Lenton, Provost and Vice-President Academic Lisa Philipps, Vice-President Finance and Administration Carol McAulay, Vice-Provost, Students Lucy Fromowitz and Vice-President Equity, People and Culture Sheila Cote-Meek.
The memorial ceremony will be livestreamed with a link available on The Centre‘s website.
Content warning: Organizers recognize that members of the audience viewing this memorial ceremony are people with lives, histories and struggles. It is important for community members to note that the memorial ceremony and community events will mention different forms of sexual violence including sexual assault, sexual harassment and murder. University community members are asked to prioritize their health and well-being and take the personal space they need during this event. For more resources and supports, community members can contact The Centre by email at thecentre@yorku.ca.
16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence
This year, the global theme for 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence is “Orange the world: End violence against women now!” In support of this civil society initiative, the United Nations Secretary-General’s UNiTE by 2030 to End Violence against Women campaign (UNiTE campaign) calls for global actions to increase awareness, galvanize advocacy efforts, and share knowledge and innovations. The Centre for Sexual Violence Response, Support & Education is partnering with McMaster University, Nipissing University, Queens University and University of Ottawa to collaboratively host events across institutions during the 16 days. Participating in community events and conversations such as the memorial and the events arranged for the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence helps to eliminate gendered violence.
All events are open to the public. A full listing of events can be found on The Centre‘s website.