What is the 16 Days of Activism?

The 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence is an annual international campaign that begins on November 25, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, and goes until December 10, Human Rights Day. These 16 days are an opportunity to engage the U of G community in being part of the solution in addressing and preventing Gender-Based Violence both locally and globally.

How to Participate in the 16 Days of Activism

To recognize the 16 Days of Activism, U of G will be lighting Johnston Hall in purple between November 29th and December 6th. The colour purple has been a predominant colour throughout movements to end Gender-Based Violence, and the purple ribbon has long been a symbol representing the prevention of violence against women in many parts of the world. There will be a lighting ceremony on November 29th from 5:00-5:30pm outside Johnson Hall that members of the campus and community are encouraged to attend to learn more about the significance of the 16 days and ways to take actions to prevent Gender-Based Violence. 

This is just one of many initiatives happening in the Guelph as part of the 16 Days of Activism including a lighting ceremony in downtown Guelph on November 25th, workshops on healthy relationships and supporting survivors, and community and campus vigils to honour the memories of the victims of the École Polytechnique Massacre on December 6th.  

For more information about events and initiatives to engage in during the 16 days, please check out the community events calendar curated by The Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Support and Education Centre, SAFE (Sexual Assault Free Environment) Peer Helpers, Guelph-Wellington Women in Crisis, The Zonta Club of Guelph and the Guelph Resource Centre for Gender Empowerment and Diversity (GRCGED). 

Other Ways to Get Involved

Beyond these 16 Days of Activism, there are many opportunities to be involved in on-campus efforts to prevent and address sexual and gender-based violence on campus. If you’re looking for on-going ways to be part of the solution: 

1. Attend an event hosted by the S&GBV Centre. For updates and information about upcoming events, please follow @wellness_uofg on social media or visit Gryphlife. [1] 

2. Complete an online learning module including the Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Awareness Training for Students and/or the Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Support Module for Staff and Faculty, both available through the Self-Registration tab on Courselink. [2]  

3. Request a customized training or workshop for your class, department, club or organization by connecting with the Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Education Coordinator at sveducation@uoguelph.ca [3]  

4. Volunteer with the S&GBV Centre or learn more about becoming a SAFE Peer Helper by filling out the volunteer interest form [2] 

Sexual & Gender-Based Violence Support & Education at the University of Guelph

If you or someone you know has been impacted by Sexual or Gender-Based violence, you are not alone and supports are available. You can connect with the Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Support Coordinator who provides coordinated support and resources following experiences of sexual and gender-based violence. They also provide consultation services to faculty and staff responding to disclosures of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence. Anyone can refer a friend or themselves to the Coordinator by emailing svinfo@uguelph.ca [4] 

You do not need to disclose or make a report in order to access support. Students are also welcome to bring a support person with them to the planning or support meeting.  

For more information about supports available, please visit our website. [5]