Empower, Support, Act – UNITE Against Violence
Commemorating the International Day to Eradicate Violence Against Women
Today marks the International Day to Eradicate Violence Against Women, a poignant reminder of the global epidemic of gender-based violence that devastates lives every day. As an organization rooted in the heart of the Interior Region, the Interior Women’s Centre Society is stepping forward as a beacon of hope, resilience, and action.
Aligning with the 2024 global campaign theme, “Every 10 Minutes, a Woman is Killed. #NoExcuse,” we are launching 16 Days of Activism to shine a light on the systemic violence women and girls endure and to drive accountability at municipal, provincial, and national levels.
Our Role as Thought Leaders and Advocates for Change
As a women-centred regional organization, we are uniquely positioned to advocate for safety and justice while providing critical, life-saving services to survivors. This year, we are combining activism, education, outreach, and community events to raise awareness and demand systemic change.
We call on governments to act decisively, invest in resources, and uphold their responsibility to create safe environments for all women. Through our programs and the dedication of our team, we are turning words into action, fostering empowerment, and igniting conversations that lead to real change.
16 Days of Empowerment and Action
Over the next 16 days, we will launch a series of targeted initiatives under our campaign theme, Empower, Support, Act – UNITE Against Violence. Here is how we are making an impact:
First Stage Rapid Exit Awareness Campaign
Highlighting the life-saving work of our Safe Haven and First Stage Rapid Exit Program, we will host survivor-led HER Table Talks, virtual safety planning workshops, and distribute educational materials to community partners. These efforts will illuminate pathways to safety for women trapped in exploitation.HER Outreach Expansion
Our compassionate outreach workers will intensify efforts, reaching unhoused women and girls with harm-reduction supplies, essentials, and information on safe exits. We will work towards establishing partnerships with law enforcement, hospitals, and shelters to identify and assist those most at risk.HER Table Talks: Special Edition Series
We are bringing together survivors, advocates, and professionals for critical conversations on topics such as domestic violence, human trafficking, economic empowerment, and the healing power of survivor-led groups.Community Engagement Events
From Art Circles that use creativity to tell stories of resilience to trauma-informed wellness activities, we are creating safe spaces for healing and solidarity. Our Orange Light Vigil on November 25 will honour lives lost to violence and galvanize our community to action.Economic Empowerment Initiatives
Through our Supported Employment Program and Business Development Workshops, we are breaking barriers to financial independence, giving women the tools to rebuild and thrive.Digital Advocacy and Fundraising
A robust social media campaign will amplify survivor stories, share vital resources, and call for donations to expand our Safe Haven—a secure space for those beginning their journey to safety.
Holding Governments Accountable
Our campaign is not just about services—it is about demanding accountability. We are calling on all levels of government to:
Prioritize funding for women’s centres, shelters, outreach programs, and trauma-informed services.
Enforce policies that protect women from violence and exploitation.
Collaborate with organizations like ours to develop community-driven solutions.
Each action we take over these 16 days underscores the urgency of systemic change and holds those in power to their promises of safety and equity for all.
A Call to Action
We invite everyone in the Interior Region to join us:
Attend an event (virtual or in-person)
Share our social media campaign.
Advocate within your community.
Donate to support our vital work and help us open additional centres
This International Day to Eradicate Violence Against Women, let us not only remember the women and girls we have lost, but also commit to a future where safety, dignity, and empowerment are the norm—not the exception. Together, we can Empower, Support, Act—and UNITE to end violence.
Learn more about our initiatives and join the movement at Interior Women’s Centre Society.
Let’s turn 16 days of activism into a lifetime of change.
