Prime Minister Justin Trudeau urged Canadians “to make a commitment to stopping violence against women and girls” as thousands of people around the world marked the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women on Wednesday.
“Violence against women is a violation of the most basic human rights. It destroys lives, tears families apart, impacts entire communities, and has no place within our society,” Trudeau said in a statement. “Today serves as an important reminder that women and girls – particularly indigenous women and girls – continue to be vulnerable to violence in our society. As leaders, as parents, as community members, we need to make sure we are combating misogyny in all its forms, wherever it is found.”
He called on Canadians to make an “online pledge to #EndViolence at women.gc.ca.”
His sentiment was echoed by the new Liberal Minister of Status Women Patty Hajdu.
“On this day, we are reminded that violence, and the threat of violence, are daily realities for too many women and girls,” Hajdu said in a statement. “This violence victimizes women and their families and creates chaos in countless lives. In short – this is not just a women’s issue – it affects us all – and we must all be part of the solution.”
Rona Ambrose, the interim leader of the Conservative Party and Leader of the Official Opposition, also issued a statement commemorating the assassinations of Patria, Minerva and Maria Teresa Mirabal, three sisters killed because of their political views, in the Dominican Republic in 1960. The International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women was designated in their honour.
“This day is intended to raise awareness of the fact that women around the world are subject to rape, domestic violence and other forms of violence,” Ambrose wrote. “Every day, every hour, every minute, women and children across Canada and around the world are affected by violence. The consequences are tragic and the effects can last a lifetime.”
She urged “all orders of government to play a role in not only raising awareness of this issue, but investing in community-based programs, shelters and more programs to help women looking to flee domestic violence.”
“I also urge individual Canadians, especially men, to get involved and ‘don’t be a bystander’. Speak up and speak out!”
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