16 Days Begins Soon

16 Days of Action to End Gender-Based Violence
Internationally…

From Nov. 25 to Dec. 10 we stand with women, girls, and gender-diverse people everywhere, to demand safety, dignity, and justice. This year’s international theme is Unite to End Digital Violence Against all Women and Girls. It’s a global campaign connecting voices from every community; raising awareness and demanding action to end violence in all its forms.

Key dates in this International campaign are:

Learn more about the International campaign and theme by visiting UN – Women.

Nationally…

Also known as ‘White Ribbon Day’, Dec. 6th is the anniversary of the Montreal Massacre – a mass shooting that happened at  in 1989 at École Polytechnique de Montréal. The lone male gunman claimed to be fighting feminism.

Present day, many experts label the level of violence against women in our own country ‘epidemic’ – with levels in the Yukon and other northern areas the highest in the country. Check out this video link for a powerful commentary on the impact of this level of violence against women in Canada, and why we should care. The comments are made by the then-leader of the Canadian Women’s Foundation during the 2023 16 Days campaign.

“For Indigenous women in Canada, these 16 days also highlight the ongoing national crisis of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirit People (MMIWG2S+), rooted in systemic racism, colonial violence, and socio-economic inequities.” – Moosehide Campaign.

Learn more about the current stats on intimate partner violence in Canada, the groups most vulnerable to gender-based violence, and allies standing up for women and for systemic change, in this powerful 2025 video – launched by Moosehide Campaign in honour of this year’s 16 Days campaign.

Locally…


In the Yukon, 16 Days events are coordinated in partnership between Les Essentielles and Victoria Faulkner Women’s Centre, with support from community partners and allies. In Dawson City, for example, Dawson Women’s Shelter often hosts community workshops and public education campaigns.  In Whitehorse, recent years have seen activities such as a group art show, advocacy workshops, rallies, sewing circles, and social media campaigns.

In addition, a lunchtime vigil in honour of the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women, Dec. 6th, is always central to the campaign. The vigil holds space for a diverse crowd of attendees, as the day holds particular and different significance to many groups.  Folks gather this day to remember and honour:

For updates on Yukon events and resources: