Innisfil proclaims International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women

Whereas violence continues to be the greatest gender inequality rights issue for women, girls, and gender-diverse individuals; and

Whereas November is Woman Abuse Prevention Month; and

Whereas November 25th is International Day for Elimination of Violence Against Women; and

Whereas femicide rates are on the rise in Ontario, with over 46 femicides in Ontario since November 26, 2022; and

Whereas our community is committed to ending femicide and all forms of gender-based violence; and

Whereas Indigenous, Black, South Asian and South East Asian women and girls continue to experience high rates of violence, including femicide and were overrepresented within the Ontario Association of Interval and Transition Houses’ 2021-2022 Annual Femicide List; and

Whereas last year in Ontario, on average everyone 7 days a woman or child lost their lives due to femicide; and

Whereas this month and throughout the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, we acknowledge our community’s support of the Wrapped in Courage campaign and commitment to ending gender-based violence; and

Where there is an urgent need for greater investment and action to end gender-based violence in our community and throughout Ontario; and

Whereas a Wrapped in Courage Campaign flag will be raised in During Women Abuse Prevention Month in recognition that the courage of women along is not enough, it takes an entire community to end gender based violence.

NOW THEREFORE, I, Mayor Lynn Dollin on behalf of the Town of Innisfil hereby proclaim and declare November 25, 2023, as The International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and urge all citizens to recognize this day by taking action to support survivors of gender-based violence and becoming part of Ontario wide efforts to end gender-based violence.