GBV Conference by African Women’s Alliance of Waterloo Region

The African Women’s Alliance of Waterloo Region (AWAWR) is hosting its Annual GBV Conference sponsored by the Social Innovation Research Group (SIRG), Lyle S. Hallman Faculty of Social Work, Wilfrid Laurier University to amplify youth voices, deepen community understanding, and strengthen collective action toward prevention and intervention.

Gender-Based Violence (GBV) continues to affect communities globally, with young people experiencing victimization, exploitation, and hypersexualisation, often in ways that remain hidden or unheard.

This year’s theme, “The Silent Voice: Youth as Victims of GBV and the Collective Pathways Forward,” calls for greater recognition of young people’s experiences and a shift toward collaborative, community-driven solutions. Through inclusive dialogue and shared learning, the conference will bring together youth, survivors, service providers, educators, policymakers, and community leaders to strengthen partnerships, address systemic challenges, and co-create pathways toward safer, healthier communities.