November 25-December 10, 2024
Saint Mary’s University is committed to fostering and advancing equity, diversity, inclusion and accessibility on our campus. Commemorative days serve as anchors, prompting us to contemplate our collective past, celebrate our accomplishments, and work towards a better future for all. The theme of this year’s 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Violence is Come Together, Act Now; we invite you to join us in remembrance, unity and action on campus.
Purple Ribbon Campaign: Wear a purple ribbon throughout the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence to help create awareness and show your support for ending gender-based violence.
White Ribbon Campaign: Men and boys wear white ribbons throughout the 16 Days of Activism to speak out against gender-based violence, showing their commitment to ending violence against women and girls, promoting gender equity, healthy relationships and a new vision of masculinity.
Please join us on November 25 to place a purple and/or white ribbon on the Saint Mary’s Remembrance Tree after the Sexual Violence Prevention Initiative Speakers Series.
Events
The Sexual Violence Prevention Initiative Speakers Series
Monday, November 25
3:30-5 p.m. | Loyola 188
Highlighting community organizations that are working to prevent and respond to gender-based violence. All are invited to meet SMU Graduate student and Manager of Humane Canada’s ACT (Awareness, Collaboration, Tools) Project, Sue O’Neill, to learn about strategies for supporting survivors of gender-based violence with animals in accessing support services, safety planning and help-seeking.
Service Expo
Tuesday, November 26
12-2:30 p.m. | Patrick Power Library Community Space
Meet representatives from the Saint Mary’s Sexual Violence Support Centre as well as other community supports in place to support gender-based violence prevention and response. Information and resources for on and off-campus support will be available.
Survivor Art Workshop (students only)
Wednesday, November 27
5:30-7:30 p.m. | Loyola 181
Students who have experienced sexual and gender-based harm are invited to come share space with each other in a casual environment and participate in a gently guided art affirmation practice.
Refreshments will be shared and supportive resources and more information about SMU Campus supports will be available.
National Day of Remembrance & Action on Violence Against Women
December 6
10:30 | CLARI Room (Atrium 340)
Join us to commemorate the lives of the 14 women who were murdered at Polytechnique Montreal on December 6, 1989, and others who have experienced gender-based violence, highlighting the increased prevalence of violence and discrimination faced by Indigenous People, 2SLGBTQI+ and gender diverse people, individuals living with disabilities and other marginalized groups.
Human Rights Day
December 10 is a time to universally acknowledge, defend, and enjoy Human Rights and assume communal and individual responsibility for protecting, reducing inequalities and advancing these rights for ALL individuals.
2024 Theme: Our Rights, Our Future, Right Now.
What will YOU do to improve the current state of human rights globally while safeguarding the common future of Human Rights for all?
Personal Care Drive
November 25 – December 10
Please help women and children impacted by gender-based violence by donating personal care products such as deodorant, toothpaste/brushes, soap/facial wash, hair products, period products, manicure kits, journals and small children’s toys such as puzzles or books. Donations will go to a local women’s shelter, the Saint Mary’s Women’s Centre and the Sexual Violence Support Centre to support individuals who have experienced gender-based harm.
Drop off donations to any of the Purple Donation Boxes in the following locations:
Human Resources, McNally South Rm 111
Sexual Violence Support Centre
SMUSA Information Desk
Library
SAAS Reception (3rd Floor Student Centre)
Science Building – Dean’s Office (S221)
Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre
Homburg Centre
Women’s Centre
Loyola Residence Desk
Student Welcome Centre
Sobey School – Dean’s Office
Arts – Dean’s Office