Voices for Change: Ending Gender-Based Violence Among Refugees and Newcomer

In recognition of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, Hope for Refugees International proudly presents Voices for Change: Ending Gender-Based Violence Among Refugees and Newcomers. This impactful event aims to unite refugees, including LGBTQ+ refugees, newcomers, asylum seekers, advocates, activists, and allies to take a collective stand against gender-based violence (GBV), which remains one of the most pervasive human rights violations globally.

The 16 Days of Activism, commencing on November 25 (International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women) and concluding on December 10 (International Human Rights Day), is a crucial global campaign and initiative dedicated to raising awareness, advocating for prevention strategies, and fostering action to eliminate all forms of violence against women and girls. The 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence emphasizes the essential link between gender-based violence and fundamental human rights, urging us all to reflect on our roles in eradicating this issue.

The “Voices for Change” event will delve deeply into the specific forms of gender-based violence experienced by refugees, newcomers, and LGBTQ+ communities, shining a light on the unique challenges faced by survivors. We will celebrate the resilience and courage of these individuals while calling upon everyone—from grassroots advocates, allies, media to policymakers—to be proactive in creating a safer, more dignified environment for all.

The event will focus on addressing GBV within refugee and newcomer communities, putting a special emphasis on engaging young men and boys, as well as male allies, in discussions around positive masculinity and gender equality as vital components in the fight to prevent GBV.

Why Attend?

• Survivor Stories: Hear firsthand accounts from survivors of gender-based violence, including refugee women and gender-diverse individuals, who will share their powerful stories of resilience and courage.
• Keynote Speakers & Panel Discussions: Join leaders in gender equality, refugee advocacy, and human rights to discuss cultural sensitivity, legal protections for refugees, and how to build inclusive, supportive communities for survivors.
• Workshops & Breakout Sessions: Participate in hands-on workshops covering trauma, legal support, healthcare access, and strategies for engaging men and boys in gender equality and positive masculinity.
• Call to Action: Learn how you can advocate for policies and support services dedicated to ending gender-based violence and fostering gender equality.

Event Objectives

• Raise Awareness: Highlight the different forms of gender-based violence impacting refugee and newcomer communities.
• Inspire Action: Encourage advocacy for stronger policies and community support systems that protect survivors.
• Promote Positive Masculinity: Engage men and boys in conversations about healthy relationships and gender equality.
• Build Solidarity: Mobilize a community of allies to take meaningful action toward ending gender-based violence.

Why This Matters

Violence against women and girls is a global epidemic that transcends borders, cultures, and socio-economic backgrounds. Among refugees, newcomers, and asylum seekers, the threat of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) is particularly severe due to vulnerability arising from displacement, economic hardship, social isolation, and precarious immigration status.

In Canada, refugees and newcomers often face unique challenges, including limited access to services, language barriers, and a lack of knowledge about their legal rights. These challenges are further compounded by housing insecurity, unemployment, mental health struggles, and cultural stigma.

This event serves as a platform to raise awareness of these pressing issues, provide crucial support to survivors, and encourage collaborative efforts among stakeholders to combat violence in all its forms. By participating, attendees will contribute to a larger movement aimed at fostering understanding, solidarity, and concrete actions to address gender-based violence.

Additionally, the inclusion of men and boys as active participants in the conversation around positive masculinity is crucial. This event will provide a platform for male allies to explore how they can contribute to ending GBV by promoting respectful, healthy relationships, challenging toxic masculinity, and supporting survivors.

• Survivor Stories: Hear firsthand experiences from refugee and newcomer women and gender-diverse individuals who have survived gender-based violence. These courageous voices will offer powerful testimony to the impact of violence and the strength it takes to overcome it.

• Keynote Speakers and Panel Discussions: Leaders in gender equality, refugee advocacy, and human rights will come together to discuss the current state of GBV among refugees, newcomers, and asylum seekers. Topics will include:
• • The role of cultural sensitivity in addressing GBV
  • Navigating legal protections, essential settlement, and GBV resources and services for refugees and newcomers in Canada.
  • How to build safe and inclusive communities for survivors

• Workshops and Breakout Sessions: Engage in interactive workshops designed to equip participants with practical tools to combat gender-based violence. Learn about:
• • Understanding trauma and its effects on survivors
  • Accessing services for legal support, housing, and healthcare
  • Strategies for building stronger allyship and support networks for survivors
  • Engaging men and boys in discussions about healthy relationships, gender equality, and their role as allies. Participants will learn practical ways to promote positive masculinity in their daily lives and within their communities.

Join us on November 28, 2024, to be part of a collective effort to end gender-based violence and create a more inclusive, equitable world for all.

Host or Publisher Hope for Refugees International - HRI