(Toronto, ON, November 26, 2020) Ontario Regional Chief RoseAnne Archibald is marking International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women and the start of the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence by calling on all levels of government to prioritize ending gender-based violence and providing culturally relevant, essential services for women, girls, two-spirit and LGBTQ people.

“During the COVID-19 pandemic, we have seen an increase in violence against women, girls, two-spirit and LGBTQ people,” said Ontario Regional Chief RoseAnne Archibald. “As public health has advised that we isolate, stay home, and with some areas entering lockdown, homes are not always a safe space for women. The UN Women, the United Nations entity dedicated to gender equality and women’s empowerment, are calling this the Shadow Pandemic. On International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, I am calling on all levels of government to prioritize ending violence against women, girls, two-spirit and LGBTQ people.”

This year’s theme for the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women is “Orange the World: Fund, Respond, Prevent, Collect!” as a global call for action to address funding gaps, ensure essential services for survivors of violence during the COVID-19 crisis.

“Tackling the systemic causes that put women, girls, two-spirit and LGBTQ people at disproportionate risk of violence remains a top priority for First Nations and needs to be addressed through long-term and coordinated commitment from all levels of government. We must ensure that we are collectively leading with a deep, abiding love and care for women, girls, two-spirit and the LGBTQ community and providing space for all to live a life free from all forms of violence. As we mark International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women and begin the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, myself, alongside the Chiefs of Ontario, continue to keep those experiencing violence and the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG) in our hearts, with a ‘families first’ approach.

This year, the Chiefs of Ontario will mark International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women and begin 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence by sharing stories through literature, videos and interactive events, which will conclude on December 10, 2020, which is International Human Rights Day. We all have a part to play in denouncing gender-based violence, and we must continue to work towards a society where all women and girls are safe, respected and protected. We encourage all to join in the conversation by using the hashtags #OrangetheWorld and #16Days.”

Ontario Regional Chief, RoseAnne Archibald

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The Chiefs of Ontario is a political forum and a secretariat for collective decision making, action, and advocacy for the 133 First Nation communities located within the boundaries of the province of Ontario, Canada. Follow Chiefs of Ontario on Facebook or Twitter @ChiefsOfOntario.

Chiefs of Ontario – Media Contact:
Genna Benson
Communications Officer
Telephone: 416-523-4020
Email: Genna.Benson@coo.org

Political Office – Media Contact:
Felecia White
Communications Officer
Office of the Ontario Regional Chief
ORC.Comms@coo.org