Gender-based violence has consequences outside of just our personal space. It affects our communities, our economy and our healthcare. and creates cycles of violence for future generations.
Gender-based violence against Indigenous women must be understood within the context of colonization and the profound transformation it brought to the Inuit way of life.
Qulliit believes that we can, individually and collectively, stand up and speak out against gender-based violence. We are steadfast in our dedication to bringing awareness, creating safe spaces and working with our partners and communities to address this issue.
Each year from November 25 to December 10, there are 16 days of activism against gender-based violence. Here are some milestones to remember:
November 25 is the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women.
December 6 is the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence against Women.
December 10 is Human Rights Day.
In 2023, Qulliit and our partners marked December 6 with an awareness and information activities with students of Inkushuk High School, a community remembrance walk and a ceremony hosted at Nunatta Sunakkutaangit Museum in Iqaluit.
We encourage all our communities to plan something to honour victims of violence against women, and are happy to help. Reach out to 867-979-6690 or email projects@qulliit.ca for more information or ideas.
Facts:
Indigenous women and girls, non-heterosexual people, transgender and gender-diverse people, women living in remote or rural areas and women with disabilities, are all more likely to experience gender-based violence.
Inuit women experience violence at a higher rate than other women in Canada, 14 times higher than the national average. Indigenous women are more likely to experience physical or sexual abuse during childhood than non-Indigenous women.
There are many ways to experience gender-based violence and virtual spaces are not exempt. According to the United Nations, 85% of women have experienced or witnessed digital violence against other women.
Gender-based violence is not only physical or sexual. Emotional violence and financial violence are also gender-based.