Published by Communications and Public Affairs (519) 824-4120, Ext. 56982 or 53338
News Release
November 24, 2004
U of G Violence Action Group leads 16 days of activism
The Violence Action Group, a new University of Guelph group dedicated to raising awareness about gender violence, is presenting 16 days of activism as part of a global campaign for women’s human rights. It runs from Nov. 25, the International Day Against Violence Against Women, to Dec. 10, International Human Rights Day.
“Violence Action Group collaborators have come together with the aim of addressing all forms of violence on our campus and in our community,” said Lisa Byers, women’s council representative for CUPE 3919. “We hope the message is heard and that we make people think about this issue.”
The campaign kicks off Nov. 25 with an event called “Fight Gender Violence: Send a Message” from noon to 4 p.m. in the University Centre courtyard.
At 7 p.m., the Central Student Association (CSA) is presenting a panel discussion, “Months, Weeks, Days: Thinking Beyond Official Celebrations,” at the Norfolk United Church. The discussion will question the tradition of official commemorative days. “The event will encapsulate different techniques of combating violence in our community,” said Jenn Watt of the CSA.
Other events will include a social action theatre presentation on sexual assault by the Wellness Education Training Troupe, special programming by the Women’s Radio Collective at CFRU 93.3 FM, film screenings, a tea at the Women’s Resource Centre and an evening of women’s voices at the Bullring. There will also be a series of vigils hosted by Amnesty International, Women in Science and Engineering, the AIDS Committee of Guelph and Guelph-Wellington Women in Crisis.
The 16 days will conclude with the Aboriginal Student Association hosting a potluck and evening of spoken word.
The Violence Action Group is made up of members of Amnesty International, the CSA, the Women’s Radio Collective, the Aboriginal Student Association, the Women’s Resource Centre, CUPE 3913, the Wellness Centre, Women in Sciences and Engineering and CFRU 93.3 FM.
For a full schedule of events, visit the website www.csa.uoguelph.ca/16days.
For media questions, contact Communications and Public Affairs: Lori Bona Hunt (519) 824-4120, Ext. 53338, or Rachelle Cooper, Ext. 56982.
