FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Voices for Change: Hope for Refugees International Hosts Event to End Gender-Based Violence Among Refugees and Newcomers
Toronto, ON — November 28, 2024: Hope for Refugees International in partnership with Uplift Black proudly presents Voices for Change: Ending Gender-Based Violence Among Refugees and Newcomers, an event held in observance of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, from 2:00 PM to 7:00 PM at 163 Queen St E, Toronto. This powerful gathering will unite refugees, including LGBTQ+ individuals, newcomers, asylum seekers, advocates, policymakers, survivors, and allies to address and combat the gender-based violence (GBV) epidemic impacting these vulnerable communities.
Taking place within the global 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaign, running from the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women on November 25 to Human Rights Day on December 10, the event emphasizes GBV as a significant human rights issue. Voices for Change focuses on raising awareness, fostering solidarity, and inspiring actionable solutions to protect the safety, dignity, and rights of all individuals, particularly those in refugee and newcomer communities.
Why This Event Matters: Gender-based violence is a pervasive issue that affects refugees and newcomers with unique intensity due to factors like displacement, economic hardship, social isolation, and immigration challenges. In Canada, many refugees face limited access to essential services, language barriers, and a lack of knowledge about their rights, compounded by housing instability, employment challenges, and mental health concerns.
Voices for Change will serve as a critical platform to raise awareness of these issues, provide support to survivors, and promote collaborative efforts to address GBV. This event will place a special focus on engaging men and boys in positive masculinity and gender equality conversations, empowering them as allies in the fight to end GBV.
“Gender-based violence is not just a personal issue—it is a systemic crisis that threatens the dignity and safety of countless refugees and newcomers. Today, we stand united to challenge the status quo and create a future where every survivor is empowered and protected,” noted Ainembabazi Tusiime, Executive Director, of Hope for Refugees International.
Event Highlights
- Survivor Stories: Hear firsthand accounts from refugee and newcomer survivors of GBV, illustrating the strength required to overcome such violence.
- Keynote Speakers & Panel Discussions: Experts will address key issues including cultural sensitivity, legal protections, GBV services for refugees, and tackling harmful cultural norms that perpetuate violence.
- Workshops & Breakout Sessions: Interactive sessions will provide tools for combating GBV, understanding trauma, and supporting survivors through allyship and positive masculinity.
- Call to Action: Participants will be encouraged to join advocacy campaigns, support survivors, and engage in initiatives dedicated to ending GBV in all its forms.
Why Attend? By attending Voices for Change, you will stand in solidarity with GBV survivors, gain insights into the specific challenges facing refugees and newcomers, and discover how positive masculinity plays a crucial role in preventing violence. Attendees will also have opportunities to network with policymakers, advocates, and frontline organizations dedicated to ending gender-based violence.
“Survivors of gender-based violence are not just victims of injustice; they are powerful agents of change. At Hope for Refugees, we honor their courage and resilience by amplifying their voices and building a world where their rights and humanity are fully recognized,” quotes Patrick King Mwesigye, Program Manager/Founder of Hope for Refugees International.
Key Statistics
- Globally, 1 in 3 women will experience violence in her lifetime, with higher rates among refugees and displaced persons.
- 30% of Toronto women report experiencing sexual assault since age 15.
- Indigenous women in Canada face a significantly higher risk of violence, highlighting the compounded vulnerability of marginalized communities.
Call for Support: Gender-based violence affects our society at every level. Its impact spans generations, influencing mental health, economic security, and community well-being. Join us on November 28, 2024, to advocate for a future free from violence and uphold the dignity of every individual.
Media Contact
Patrick King Mwesigye
Program Manager
Hope for Refugees International
Email: patrick.mwesigye@hopeforrefugees.org