OTTAWA,
ON, Nov. 24, 2024 /CNW/ - Les Femmes
Michif Otipemisiwak (LFMO), the National Métis Women's
representative organization dedicated to advancing the rights and
well-being of Métis women, is urging awareness and action to
address gender-based violence (GBV) impacting Métis women, girls,
and LGBTQQIA2S+ people across the Métis Motherland.
The 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence
campaign has been formally recognized by the United Nations (UN)
since 1999. It begins on Saturday, November
25th on International Day to End Violence against Women and
culminates on Sunday, December 10,
2023, International Human Rights Day. According to the
United Nations, 1 in 3 women worldwide will experience gender-based
violence (GBV). Statistics Canada
data show that almost two-thirds (65%) of Métis women have
experienced physical and/or sexual violence in our lifetime and
nearly half (48%) are survivors of intimate partner violence
(Statistics Canada, 2022, p. 1).
"We know that gender-based violence takes on many forms and is
inextricably linked to the ongoing crisis of missing and murdered
Indigenous women, girls and LGBTQQIA2S+ (MMIWG2S+). This year's
campaign theme is: Invest to Prevent Gender-Based Violence (GBV).
With this in mind, we urge tall orders of government to scale up
distinctions-based, community-led, trauma-informed programming and
services aimed at early intervention, crisis response, and
prevention. These are vital steps needed to meaningfully address
and eliminate violence impacting women, girls and gender-diverse
people in our communities," said Melanie Omenih, President of
LFMO.
Les Femmes Michif Otipemisiwak encourages individuals,
organizations, and allies across Canada to attend in-person and virtual events
during the 16 Days of Activism campaign, to post and share
social media stories about ending GBV, and to support grassroots
anti-violence efforts all year-round. Finally, we want to send love
and solidarity to impacted survivors and remind them that they are
not alone. If you, or someone you know, is experiencing or at-risk
of violence, reach out to the free, 24/7, Indigenous MMIWG support
line at 1-844-413-6649.
SOURCE Les Femmes Michif Otipemisiwak
