This release was issued under a previous government.

#16Days to end violence against women

The campaign is part of the United Nations 16 Days of Activism on Gender-Based Violence.

Beginning today, on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, the Calgary Tower and the High Level Bridge in Edmonton will be lit orange – the United Nations designated colour to symbolize a brighter future.

“The United Nations has called violence against women a global pandemic. Today and every day, we commit to help end it, for our daughters, sisters, mothers and all women – in Alberta and across the world.”

Stephanie McLean, Minister of Status of Women

Every day for the next 16 days, Status of Women will share actions on social media to empower Albertans to share their own actions using the hashtag #16Days.

On December 6, Minister McLean will host a public vigil on the north steps of the Legislature at noon, to commemorate the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women. Canadians pause on that day to remember the tragic loss of 14 women during the 1989 Ecole Polytechnique massacre and all women who have lost their lives to violence.

The Government of Alberta has been investing in supports for survivors and initiatives to increase women’s safety:

  • Increased funds for women’s shelters and second-stage housing by $15 million.
  • Entrenched gender identity and gender expression in the Alberta Human Rights Act
  • Passed an amendment of the Residential Tenancies Act that allows survivors to leave domestic abuse without penalty for breaking their leases
  • Joined the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls

Facts

  • Seven out of 10 Albertans have known a woman who has experienced physical or sexual abuse.
  • Indigenous women are three times more likely to report experiencing violence than non-Indigenous women.
  • Every four days a woman in Canada is killed by a family member.