Voices for Change: Ending Gender-Based Violence Among Refugees and Newcomers
November 28 @ 2:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Date: November 28, 2024
Time: 2:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Venue: 163 Queen St E, Toronto, ON M7A 2H6
Register here
About the Event
In recognition of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, Hope for Refugees International proudly presents Voices for Change: Ending Gender-Based Violence Among Refugees and Newcomers. This impactful event aims to unite refugees, including LGBTQ+ refugees, newcomers, asylum seekers, advocates, activists, and allies to take a collective stand against gender-based violence (GBV), which remains one of the most pervasive human rights violations globally.
The 16 Days of Activism, commencing on November 25 (International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women) and concluding on December 10 (International Human Rights Day), is a crucial global campaign and initiative dedicated to raising awareness, advocating for prevention strategies, and fostering action to eliminate all forms of violence against women and girls. The 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence emphasizes the essential link between gender-based violence and fundamental human rights, urging us all to reflect on our roles in eradicating this issue.
The “Voices for Change” event will delve deeply into the specific forms of gender-based violence experienced by refugees, newcomers, and LGBTQ+ communities, shining a light on the unique challenges faced by survivors. We will celebrate the resilience and courage of these individuals while calling upon everyone—from grassroots advocates, allies, media to policymakers—to be proactive in creating a safer, more dignified environment for all.
The event will focus on addressing GBV within refugee and newcomer communities, putting a special emphasis on engaging young men and boys, as well as male allies, in discussions around positive masculinity and gender equality as vital components in the fight to prevent GBV.
Why This Event Matters
Violence against women and girls is a global epidemic that transcends borders, cultures, and socio-economic backgrounds. Among refugees, newcomers, and asylum seekers, the threat of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) is particularly severe due to vulnerability arising from displacement, economic hardship, social isolation, and precarious immigration status.
In Canada, refugees and newcomers often face unique challenges, including limited access to services, language barriers, and a lack of knowledge about their legal rights. These challenges are further compounded by housing insecurity, unemployment, mental health struggles, and cultural stigma.
This event serves as a platform to raise awareness of these pressing issues, provide crucial support to survivors, and encourage collaborative efforts among stakeholders to combat violence in all its forms. By participating, attendees will contribute to a larger movement aimed at fostering understanding, solidarity, and concrete actions to address gender-based violence.
Additionally, the inclusion of men and boys as active participants in the conversation around positive masculinity is crucial. This event will provide a platform for male allies to explore how they can contribute to ending GBV by promoting respectful, healthy relationships, challenging toxic masculinity, and supporting survivors.
Event Objectives
- Raise Awareness: Highlight the various forms of gender-based violence affecting refugee and newcomer communities, from intimate partner violence to trafficking, child marriage, and female genital mutilation.
- Inspire Action: Encourage participants to advocate for stronger policies, increased investments, and community support systems that address the specific needs of survivors of GBV in refugee and newcomer communities.
- Provide a Platform for Survivors: Create a safe and supportive space for refugee and newcomer survivors of gender-based violence to share their stories, reclaim their voices, and connect with others who can support their journey to healing.
- Promote Positive Masculinity: Engage young men and boys in conversations about gender equality and their role in preventing GBV. Encourage men to reflect on their behaviors, promote respectful relationships, and become advocates for change.
- Build Solidarity: Mobilize a community of allies, including refugees, newcomers, political leaders, women’s rights advocates, and local organizations, to take meaningful action toward ending GBV and fostering gender equality.
Event Highlights
- Survivor Stories: Hear firsthand experiences from refugee and newcomer women and gender-diverse individuals who have survived gender-based violence. These courageous voices will offer powerful testimony to the impact of violence and the strength it takes to overcome it.
- Keynote Speakers and Panel Discussions: Leaders in gender equality, refugee advocacy, and human rights will come together to discuss the current state of GBV among refugees, newcomers, and asylum seekers. Topics will include:
- The role of cultural sensitivity in addressing GBV
- Navigating legal protections, essential settlement, and GBV resources and services for refugees and newcomers in Canada.
- How to build safe and inclusive communities for survivors
- Workshops and Breakout Sessions: Engage in interactive workshops designed to equip participants with practical tools to combat gender-based violence. Learn about:
- Understanding trauma and its effects on survivors
- Accessing services for legal support, housing, and healthcare
- Strategies for building stronger allyship and support networks for survivors
- Engaging men and boys in discussions about healthy relationships, gender equality, and their role as allies.
- Participants will learn practical ways to promote positive masculinity in their daily lives and within their communities.
- Call to Action: Participants will be encouraged to join campaigns and initiatives dedicated to preventing GBV, and to advocate for increased funding and political support for survivor-centered services.
Why Attend?
- Show Solidarity: By attending this event, you stand with survivors of gender-based violence in refugee and newcomer communities. Your presence matters.
- Learn and Act: Gain a deeper understanding of the specific challenges facing refugees including LGBTQ+ refugees and newcomer survivors of GBV, and learn how you can take action to support them.
- Gain insight into how positive masculinity and gender equality are essential in preventing GBV. Learn how men and boys can take action as allies to promote healthier, more equitable communities.
- Network and Collaborate: Connect with advocates, policymakers, and organizations working on the frontlines of GBV prevention and survivor support.
Key Statistics
- 1 in 3 women worldwide will experience sexual or physical violence in her lifetime, with rates significantly higher among refugees and displaced individuals.
- In Toronto, 30% of women have reported experiencing sexual assault at least once since the age of 15.
- 44% of women in intimate partner relationships report experiencing psychological, physical, or sexual abuse.
- Indigenous women and girls in Canada are 12 times more likely to be murdered or go missing compared to other women.
Call for Support
Gender-based violence targets society’s most vulnerable, and its devastating impact is felt across generations. It affects mental health, economic security, family life, and community well-being.
Join us on November 28, 2024, to stand in solidarity with survivors, raise awareness, and advocate for concrete actions to end gender-based violence. Together, we can forge a future where everyone—regardless of gender, race, or immigration status—can live free from violence and with dignity.